Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market Celebrates National Farmers' Market Week
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA (Aug. 8, 2019) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines joins farmers’ markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week from August 4 – 10. This Saturday, Aug. 10, Market patrons are invited to attend the opening bell at 7 a.m. at the corner of Third Street and Court Avenue. The opening bell is one of Downtown 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, fruit and vegetable farms selling into local and regional markets employ 13 full-time workers per $1 million in revenue earned, compared with only three full-time workers per $1 million in revenue for farms that are not selling locally.
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 exciting activities and giveaways planned for this Saturday’s Market.”
To take full advantage of the day, stop by the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines booth on the southeast corner of Third Street and Court Avenue to write a postcard note of thanks to your favorite Downtown Farmers’ Market farmers and vendors. Spin the Farmers’ Market wheel at the Meals From The Market, sponsored by Great Western Bank, booth located at the northwest corner of Second and Court Avenue.
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 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,400 Regional Business Members and more than 340 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.