We are nearing the end of National Farmers Market Week, which serves as an opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that farmers markets bring to local communities. There are currently more than 8,700 farmers markets in the United States, and California leads the way with 760 markets throughout the state.
Shopping at a farmer’s market can help stimulate local economies, preserve farmland and rural livelihoods and support healthy communities. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, growers selling locally help to create 13 full-time jobs for every $1 million earned, while those that are not selling locally only generate three jobs.
Locally owned retailers like those at farmers markets return more than three times as much of their sales to the local economy compared to chain competitors. Approximately 60 percent of shoppers at farmers markets located in low-income neighborhoods report that markets have better prices than other grocery store outlets. There is also a correlation between having a lower body mass index, and the proximity to farmers markets.
Listen to the report below.
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