Farmers markets have always been essential. They increase access to fresh and nutritious food, particularly in communities that lack grocery stores and other food retail outlets. They keep money circulating in local economies by providing shoppers with an opportunity to buy directly from small businesses, local vendors, and independent farmers, many of whom practice sustainable farming methods that protect our planet’s water, soil, and air. They provide a place where friends, families, and neighbors can come to visit, learn about food and agriculture, and have fun. And as we have most recently experienced, farmers markets prioritize the health and safety of our communities, even during crises.

In response to the pandemic, community farmers market quickly adapted to ensure their shoppers—as well as their staff and vendors—remained safe and healthy in the symbiotic pursuit to access and sell locally produced food. In Virginia, Culpeper Downtown turned their traditional farmers market into a drive-thru to minimize points of contact for vendors and customers. In Missouri, Downtown Lee’s Summit launched a virtual farmers market on their organization’s webpage. In Massachusetts, East Somerville Main Streets created a pick-up market, encouraging customers to order from vendors online and fulfilling orders in a central location.

As challenging as it has been (and the challenges have been aplenty), farmers markets have risen to the occasion to provide a necessary sense of unity and stability at a time we need it most. In addition to COVID-19 precautions, many market leaders have also taken action to improve equity at their markets. It’s important to acknowledge many farmers markets have not always reflected their local communities or provided a space where everyone can feel welcome. Together, market operators and community organizers are paving the way to make farmers markets safe, inviting, and accessible for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic and renewed calls for social justice reform have made it as clear as ever: farmers markets are essential and can rapidly respond to the immediate needs of the communities they serve, especially during times of crisis.

Of course, this comes as no surprise to those of us here at the Farmers Market Coalition and the farmers market operators we represent. A national organization dedicated to strengthening farmers markets, we support markets through resource development, technical support, advocacy, and promotion. While interest in local food continues to grow nationwide, the increased costs and time required to keep these essential food retail outlets in operation—especially throughout the pandemic—have been major challenges for market operators everywhere. Understanding that farmers markets are complex and the organization themselves requires support, we know that if communities want to offer a thriving market in their area as a source of healthy living and economic vitality, supporting the market organization is an essential place to start.

If there’s ever been a moment to elevate and support farmers markets, now is the time, so be sure to join us in celebrating farmers markets this week during National Farmers Market Week (NFMW). Declared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture yearly for the last two decades, NFMW has been a week of celebration for everyone who supports farmers markets, highlighting the important role farmers markets play in the nation’s local food system. During this week, farmers markets in towns big and small, from coast-to-coast, work hard to host special events, contests, activities, and more. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s a chance to really celebrate all that farmers markets do for their communities!

During National Farmers Market Week, we’re partnering with Main Street America to make sure that farmers markets and the vibrant communities that they support have everything they need to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. The Farmers Market Coalition provides a toolkit for organizations across the country to use to promote National Farmers Market Week and engage their communities in supporting farmers markets and local businesses.

Join in the celebration of farmers markets this week, August 1-7, by engaging with your community on social media and sharing why #FarmersMarketsAreEssential in your community for economic development, community engagement, and a vibrant Main Street!