This week, the Fort Atkinson Farmers Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 5-11.

As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer. According to statistics recently released by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers market s and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products. This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches.

The Fort Farmers Market began in 2002 as a summer-only market. It has grown to be a year-round market with winter shopping available at the Fort Atkinson Club, January through April, and a large holiday market the first Saturday in December. The Fort Market currently hosts 35 seasonal farmers, 10 daily, and dozens of arts vendors selling a wide variety of products. The Fort market was one of the first small markets in the area to have an EBT machine, for the benefit of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants. A long-term relationship with the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry ensures there will always be fresh produce available at that location, also.

“Farmers markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers, but in forming  healthy, prosperous food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture and sharing recipes and new foods with their neighbors. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.“
 
The chamber invites residents and visitors alike to this Saturday’s market from 8:00am to noon, enjoy programming that celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week. Local-favorite and nationally-renowned musician Peter Mulvey will play music from 9-11am at the UW Health Specialty Clinics/Fort Arts Council-sponsored stage, the Boys & Girls Club will promote their ‘3pm Campaign’ with a family-friendly photo booth, and National Farmers’ Market Week temporary tattoos will be available at the Fort Healthcare-sponsored Community Booth. Additional programming includes: the FCCU-sponsored Kids Art Tent and market yoga taught by an instructor from Ivy’s Holistic Arts in Riverwalk Plaza from 8-9am.

 The Fort Farmers Market is a program of The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.  Visit the market Facebook page for special offers and detailed updates. The chamber thanks the 2018 market sponsors who support local vendors and a healthy community:  Fort HealthCare; Fort Community Credit Union; UW Health Specialty Clinic; Premier Bank; Fort Arts Council; Heart of the City; United HealthCare; Daily Jefferson County Union; and many other supporters and volunteers.