Going to a farmers market with your family can be great fun! Join with me in celebrating National Farmers Market Week. Worried about the heat? Some markets have moved indoors for the summer and others have early hours. Use AZ Health Zone’s fantastic map to find a market near your home. You can narrow your search by season, day of the week, time of day, and whether or not the market accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Arizona Farmers Market Nutrition Program (AzFMNP) benefits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared August 5-11 as National Farmers Market Week to increase awareness of the important role local farmers markets play in creating healthy communities. More than 90 farmers markets increase access to fresh and nutritious Arizona Grown vegetables and fruits for people all around our state.
Many of the SNAP-authorized markets in Arizona also operate a SNAP matching program, where purchases are matched dollar for dollar up to $20. Learn more at Double Up Food Bucks AZ, or in the Tucson area, visit the Community Food Bank of Southern AZ.
I know that farmers markets preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to nutritious food, promote sustainability, and support healthy communities. Visiting farmers markets can take us closer to our goal of health and wellness for all Arizonans.
