Farmers Market Week 2023, August 6-12

Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration for all things farmers markets across the United States. It celebrates local food, the farmers and vendors who make up the markets, farmers market managers who pull the market together and their customers who turn out in support! It’s an honor that encompasses all facets of what makes farmers markets so vital to all of our communities making them vibrant spaces for community gathering and local commerce. Each year, farmers market week is celebrated during the first full week of August and is acknowledged by local municipalities, state governments as well as the federal government and the entire farmers market community. It’s an opportunity to showcase the great work that farmers markets perform for their communities of farmers and consumers, local businesses and the social fabric of their communities. You can help celebrate Farmers Market Week too. The Farmers Market Federation of NY has created this toolkit to help you with your own celebrations.

Our Message: Farmers Markets Bring People Together

This year we have chosen the theme of “Farmers Markets Bring People Together,” emphasizing the vital role markets play in promoting community connections and bridging divides. Farmers markets have always held a special place in our hearts as vibrant gathering spaces where individuals, families, and communities unite to celebrate the abundance of fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods. These bustling hubs nourish not only our bodies but also enrich our social fabric, acting as catalysts for cultivating relationships and promoting healthy lifestyles within our communities. The theme for this year highlights the invaluable contributions of farmers markets in building bridges and fostering a sense of togetherness. Throughout Farmers Market Week, we encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the diverse array of vendors, activities, and flavors available at our local farmers markets. From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and handcrafted items, these markets offer an incredible variety of products that reflect the unique character of our region.

View the Toolkit Here

By directly supporting local farmers, artisans, and producers, consumers can experience the unmatched quality, flavor, and freshness that come with buying from local farms and play an active role in nurturing a sustainable and resilient local food system while forging connections with the people who grow and produce their food. Farmers Market Week serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to support our local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. Now it’s time to make sure that consumers throughout our communities understand the value of farmers markets in bringing people together. Join us at the Farmers Market Federation of NY as we celebrate Farmers Market Week this August 6 – 12.

Within this toolkit you will find a number of pieces that will assist you in your own celebration.

• Template for introducing Farmers Market Week to your community

• A series of social media posts to showcase how your market is a bridge builder

• Kids Activity Sheets

When making social media posts, be sure to use hashtags to extend your reach:

• #FarmersMarketWeek

• #LoveMyMarket

• #NYFarmersMarkets

• #FarmFedNY

Have fun with your own celebrations!

Monthly Members & Friends Meetup: July 2023

Farmers Markets as Environmental Stewards
with Kelly Sauve and Judy Ward

One of the revelations of the Consumer Survey done in 2018 under USDA’s SARE program s that consumers look to farmers markets as a key contributor to environmental stewardship.  They view farmers markets as a leading example for the community in promote conservation practices.

To endure that your market matches the expectations of consumers on this issue, you must promote, educate and practice sound environmental practices. The Ithaca Farmers Market has always been a leader in this area, but has now gone a step further with a new grant opportunity from the Park Foundation that is allowing them to expand their efforts. Kelly Sauve, the market and organization’s manager, along with Judy Ward, the market’s Zero Waste Coordinator will share their story on building an environmentally sustainable farmers market and their experiences along the way, on the July Monthly Members and Friends Meetup. After their presentation, they will answer your questions and comments on Farmers Markets as Environmental Stewards.

Join us for this free event on Tuesday, July 25, 1 pm here.

Save the Date: Plans are Underway for the 2024 Farmers Market Managers Conference!

It is still early in the planning process, but a number of highlights for the 2024 Farmers Market Managers Conference are worth mentioning at this time. 

First, the 2024 annual conference will be a fully virtual event. That means no travel, no overnight stays! You can enjoy the full conference from the comfort of your own home, all through your own computer and internet connection! The conference will feature the usual educational sessions, facilitated networking sessions and a conference tour of farmers markets.

First, the 2024 Annual Conference will be a fully virtual event! That means no travel, no overnight stays, just grab your cup of tea or coffee and throw on your comfiest pants! You can enjoy the full conference from the comfort of your own home, all through your own computer and internet connection! The conference will feature the usual educational sessions, facilitated networking sessions and a conference tour of farmers markets.

Speaking of the conference tour, the board has decided that our virtual tour should be mini-tours of farmers markets across the state. What are you most proud of, what programs, services or features are worth sharing with fellow market managers? We invite each of you to take a mini-video of up to 5 minutes, to showcase your market! The video doesn’t need to be professional, just pull out your phone and start recording! We ask that you let us know that you are planning to show your video, so we can plan the event. Send us the final link to your video and we’ll put the recordings together and showcase during our annual conference tour. You can narrate as it plays and be on hand for Q & A. We’re all looking forward to seeing your videos!

The conference date set is for March 5 – 7, 2024. So mark your calendars and watch for the full agenda and registration to come out sometime this fall.

This year’s conference should be fun with the market tours, as well as educational, even as we meet virtually rather than face to face. So plan to join us March 5 – 7, 2024.

Job Opportunity with the Pleasantville Farmers Market

Position:
Day Manager, Pleasantville Farmers Market (Westchester NY)

Start Date:
ASAP

Commitment:
10-12 hours per week, mostly on Saturday (In-Person)

Seasonality:
Hours may be scaled back during winter months, December – March

Pay:
$25/hour to start

OVERVIEW:
The Day Manager supports the mission and operations of the Pleasantville Farmers Market, which is operated by Foodchester, Inc., a Pleasantville-based non-profit organization. The Market is the largest weekly year-round farmers market in the region, with about 60 vendors, and has won “Best of Westchester” 10 times in a row. We have one of the highest rates of owner representation, and as a result, the Market attracts devoted “foodies” from around the county and region, who see PFM as a destination to connect directly with farmers and small-batch food artisans. 

As the Market has grown, we have identified the need for regular, part-time support to our management team. The position includes assisting with the setup and breakdown of the Market every Saturday (4:30 / 5:00 am to 2:00 / 3:00 pm), oversight of vendors, engaging with the public as host, ensuring compliance with market rules, managing volunteer customer coaches and operations interns, and teamwork with all staff to successfully implement logistics and themes to assure a smooth and safe market. There are physical requirements for this position.  Works under the general supervision of the Market Manager.

For further information and application procedure, go to https://www.pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org/about/jobs/