The first full week of August is National Farmers’ Market Week, which is August 7th – 13th in 2022. Maryland farmers are harvesting peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, blueberries, watermelon and other favorite fruits and vegetables. It’s a great time to celebrate the bounty of Maryland farms.
If you have never visited a local farmers' market, the summer is a great time to try it! Farmers' markets are a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours with your family. They have lots of vibrant colors, fresh smells and delicious flavors!
Farmers sell the produce or other products that they have grown for a fair price. These fruits and vegetables taste great because farmers are able to pick them from the field and bring them straight to the market. Maybe even the same day! Purchasing from a farmers' market also helps to support the local economy because the produce comes directly from local farms.
Your local farmer is an expert in how their produce is grown. Talk to the farmers to learn more about the fruits and vegetables that you are buying and ask how to prepare them. You might be able to learn a new recipe or cooking technique.
Many farmers’ markets are open throughout the year. You can find your local farmers’ market by using the Maryland Farmers’ Market Directory 2022 website which lists markets in every county and Baltimore City.
Many farmers’ markets accept the following federal nutrition benefits as payment:
- Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
- eWIC-FVB (Women, Infant, and Children Fruit & Vegetable Benefit)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT formerly known as Food Stamps)
- Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)
And if the market participates in the Maryland Market Money (MMM) statewide food access program you may be able to double the value of your benefits so you can buy twice as much produce! Check here to see if your farmers’ market participates in MMM.
Here are tips to make your farmers’ market visit more enjoyable:
- Visit when the market opens for the day. That is when the farmers have the best selection.
- Bring bags, or even a rolling cart, to carry the produce you buy. Vegetables and fruits can be heavy to carry, especially on a hot day.
- Bring a cooler with ice in it if you are going to be purchasing items like meat, eggs, or dairy products that need to stay cold.
- Bring cash, small bills and coins. This will make the process go faster when paying.
- Farmers markets are typically outside so dress for the weather. On sunny days make sure to wear sunscreen and even a hat.
Stay safe! While it is tempting to sample a ripe peach right after you purchase it, fresh produce should always be washed thoroughly in clean water before eating. Even produce with rinds that you don’t eat, such as melons, should be washed to prevent bacteria from being transferred to the flesh during cutting.
On a summer day there is nothing better than going to the farmers’ market, selecting fresh fruits and vegetables, taking them home and making a delicious meal for you and your family. Give it a try this season!
