DSM Downtown Farmers' Market Celebrates National Farmers' Market Week
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA (Aug. 9, 2018) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines joins farmers’ markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week from August 5 – 11. This Saturday, Aug. 11, local elected officials have been invited to ring the bell to signify The Market’s opening at 7 a.m., one of Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) oldest traditions.
Farmers’ markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for new farmers’ and small business owners, allowing them to start small and test new products. Demand for local farm-to-table food is growing. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers’ markets account for roughly $2 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products, which supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small- and mid-sized farms nationwide.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market also has many vendors that accept SNAP/EBT and WIC, and it offers a Meals from the Market program which collects unsold produce from farmers and donates to those in DSM.
“Farmers’ markets like the Downtown Farmers’ Market play a key role in connecting local farmers and small business owners to their communities,” Downtown Farmers’ Market Director Kelly Foss said. “We’re excited to be joining farmers’ markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week and have several exciting activities and giveaways planned for this Saturday’s Market.”
Market Giveaway
A gift basket drawing will include three baskets, each one full of in-season produce, unique treats and Downtown Farmers’ Market finds. Earn an entry by:
- Attending the ceremonial opening bell ringing at Third Street and Court Avenue at 7 a.m. The Market will welcome elected officials and longstanding vendors to help open the day’s activities. Patrons will need to visit the red Information Booth tent at the northeast corner of the street to enter.
- Commenting on The Market’s Facebook post about the National Farmers’ Market week giveaway.
- Writing a postcard note of thanks to your favorite Downtown Farmers’ Market farmers and vendors by stopping by the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines booth at the southeast corner of Third Street and Court Avenue.
The drawing will occur on Saturday at 11 a.m. Pickup will take place at the red Information Booth tent between 11 a.m. and Noon.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market, produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, supports nearly 300 farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from more than 50 Iowa counties.
Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
About the Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownfarmersmarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @DTFarmersMarket.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.