National Farmers Market Week
PHOENIX, ARIZONA July 31, 2020 –National Farmers Market Week, August 2 – August 8, launches off a month-long celebration to honor farmers markets who, amid a global pandemic, have been at the forefront, adapting rapid solutions and innovation to ensure food security. When conventional food supply chains failed at the start of the outbreak, Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market DPFM displayed the resiliency of short supply chains.
In March, Community Food Connections CFC staff jumped into action adapting DPFM protocol and advocating state leaders to remain open as a grocery outlet and an essential service. Thanks to those efforts, locals can shop seasonal produce, fresh-baked bread, pantry staples, and artisan provisions outdoors every Saturday, 8 am – 12 pm. DPFM set up an online purchasing platform in just four weeks in response to the pandemic. The new ordering system continues to get fresh food into families’ hands by providing curbside pick-up for those who are not comfortable shopping during market hours.
“While we would typically be announcing a large community event, with cooking demonstrations and workshops,” shared Sara Matlin, Executive Director of Community Food Connections, “this National Farmers Market Week we are focused on the core of our mission, the sustainability of Arizona’s small-scale farms and food producers. Despite these difficult times, we have seen incredible resiliency and innovative state-wide collaborations as we battle new challenges within our local food system.”
Arizona farmers markets join forces to share the stories of people who make markets across the state thrive. Now is the time to rise together and support the local food system and farming communities. Local food fans are encouraged to:
- Share market pictures and stories on social media and use the hashtags #dtphxfarmersmarket and #LoveMyAZMarkets be entered to win Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market swag $50 market bucks.
- Celebrate market operators, businesses, and community’s tireless efforts by posting positive messages online here – bit.ly/kudoAZFM – and discover Arizona’s diverse market community.
- Shop Saturdays at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market from 8 am to 12 pm for locally produced goods sold in an inclusive, community-driven environment, or utilize the new online ordering system.
- Become a recurring donor to plant a seed for the future of the market. The market is possible with the support of groups and individuals who share the vision of farmers markets as the nexus of community. Online here.
“Farmers markets are essential to the life and livelihood of millions of shoppers and tens of thousands of farmers,” says Ben Feldman, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “But farmers markets do not happen by accident. It takes the planning, organization, and execution of dedicated individuals and community organizations. That work is harder than ever, and farmers markets and the vendors who sell at them need all the help they can get.”
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