Farmers markets play a critical role in ensuring food access for all. Despite being declared “essential businesses” there has been no concrete guidance on operation during the covid-19 pandemic, leaving many to remain closed nationwide. During a time in which access to healthy, affordable food is needed more than ever, farms, local growers, farm-to-table establishments and food businesses are responding with creativity and determination. Here are 10 things that you can considering doing to support farmers, growers and farm-to-table establishments where you live:
- Take any opportunity to purchase from local farms through direct to consumer strategies: currently operating farmer’s markets, CSA (community supported agriculture) boxes, farm stands, online ordering, cooperative “food hub” aggregation and delivery, and multiple-farm pick-ups at specific locations.
- Contact your local farms, producers and growers; maintain social media connections. See how you can help and how to purchase their products.
- Purchase gift cards for farm-to-table restaurants and food establishments to help generate revenue and maintain business for them and the farms they source from. You can use them later!
- Order take-out and delivery from farm-to-table restaurants. Also check their options for CSA boxes, meal kits, family meal service and drive-throughs.
- Do grocery shopping at markets that support locally grown produce and locally raised eggs, meat and dairy – choose these goods over other options.
- Request locally sourced produce and food products from your grocery store.
- Spread the word about grants available to local farmers.
- Donate to campaigns supporting local farms via the Farmer Relief Fund, Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act and more.
- Write to your local legislators in support of small farms, local growers and farmers markets.
- Stay informed by visiting these websites: farmersmarketcoalition.org, farmaid.org, sustainableagriculture.net, farmers.gov, farmland.org, ams.usda.gov and more.
Farmers and growers are stepping in to fulfill essential needs in struggling communities across the country, and they need strong commitment from federal, state and local leaders to ensure their markets and stands can open and operate safely. Please support your local networks of growers and vendors throughout this crisis.