East side and west side farmers were dealt blows by the late, cold spring and early summer chill. Crops were an unprecedented 3-6 weeks late, putting farmers in a tough position to make up for early losses.
Fortunately, it’s the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) mission to provide support for local farms and farmers. The NFMA is extending the market season by two weeks at the Lake City, Phinney, and Magnolia Farmers Markets.
- The Lake City Farmers Market will close on Thursday, October 20th
- The Phinney Market will close on Friday, October 21st
- The Magnolia Market will close on Saturday, October 22
Typically, markets close the first week of October.
The NFMA has surveyed and discussed the decision with market farmers, shoppers and board members. Chris Curtis, NFMA Director, explains, “We are hoping this extra effort will help farmers regain some of what was lost earlier in the season. The markets are finally bountiful and this added sales opportunity should really help farmers out.”
As an added incentive for shoppers, the NFMA will be offering a $10 bonus to EBT (food stamp) customers who redeem benefits at those markets during the last two weeks.
The NFMA provides much needed help to local farmers all year long through its Good Farmer Fund, an emergency relief fund for farmers who have lost business due to bad weather, flooding and personal hardship. These relief programs are supported by the NFMA’s annual fundraising event, An Incredible Feast, which takes place this year on October 9th at Swanson’s Nursery.
