From Jackson County Farmers Market:
Jackson County Farmers Market celebrates National Farmers Market Week August 7-13 with annual Taste of the Market and Market Feast
National Farmers Market Week is August 7-13, 2016. In celebration the Jackson County Farmers Market will host their annual Taste of the Market and Market Feast on August 13th. The Market Feast, a monthly fundraiser for the Market, will feature Neil Dawson of The Dawson Green at the grill. Heinzelmannchen Brewery root beer, Family Art in the Market and raffle tickets for a chance to take home an assortment of items from our vendors will be available at the Information booth.More than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers, farmers markets are truly a community experience, where you can meet your neighbors, friends, and farmers, and where more of your dollar will stay in the community. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a farmers market, $62 stays in the local economy, and $99 stays in state. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, these grassroots venues have increased in number by over 60% since 2009 to more than 8,500 today, offering you more unique products, more heirloom varieties, and more opportunities to build relationships and learn about healthy eating.
The Jackson County Farmers Market first set up in the same location on Railroad Avenue next to Bridge Park in downtown Sylva, North Carolina, in September, 2000, with a handful of hopeful and enthusiastic vendors. Still going strong in its 16th season at the same location, the Market now averages 35 to 38 vendors in the summer season and up to 18 vendors at the indoor winter Market. JCFM maintains a 60/40 ratio of food vendors to crafters with our growers providing a wide variety of products from purple cauliflower, micro greens, heirloom tomatoes and cut flowers, to herbs and spices, transplants, honey, native plants, trout, Angus beef, lamb, pork, dairy products, specialty breads and granola, eggs, poultry, goat and mozzarella cheese. The craft tents offer an array of handmade items, pottery, candles, natural cleaning products, herbal botanicals, greeting cards. All farm and craft products being sold, are grown or produced in Jackson or adjoining North Carolina counties with a few exceptions for counties further west.
“Farmers markets play a vital role in forming healthy, local 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, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.“
For more information about Taste of the Market or JCFM, contact Yvonne Scott, Market Manager, 393-5236.
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