National Farmers Market Week is August 4-10, 2019. In celebration, Burke Area Farmers Market will have the Dakota Cuban food truck, inflatable slide and bounce house, free cucumber water, and a sun safety demo from Community Memorial Hospital – plus we’re excited to give away a special prize for the winner of our PHOTO BOOTH CONTEST (for kids and adults of all ages)!
Farmers markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. According to USDA statistics, these grassroots venues have increased in number by over 60% since 2009 to more than 8,500 today. These markets preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious food, improve community health, and promote sustainability. For example, growers selling locally create thirteen full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned while those that do not sell locally only create three.
The Burke Area Farmers Market began in 2012, and currently has 15+ vendors selling a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, candied peanuts, homemade bagels, goat milk soaps, grass fed beef, and handmade crafts. BAFM’s purpose is to “grow healthy food, families, and communities.”
Market manager Kelsea Sutton said, “We’ve been proud to operate this local market for 8 years now. We’ve grown and changed so much each year. The most recent changes to after-work hours and the Burke City Park location have been a wonderful shift to create a more fun social experience and better space for families.”
“Farmers markets play a vital role in forming healthy, local food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.“
Learn more about our vendors at www.burkeareafarmersmarket.com. Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages @burkeareafarmersmarket. Check out the below info graphic for more cool stats about farmers markets!
