Aug 4, 2015 Comments Off on The Revere Farmers’ Market Celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week admin
Revere (August 4, 2015)—To celebrate National Farmers Market Week 2015, which is from August 2-8, The Revere Farmers’ Market is honoring hardworking Eastern Massachusetts farmers and the importance of local produce with a special afternoon of events for the whole family. During regular hours on Friday from 2-6:30pm, the market will include the Summer Health Fair, sponsored by the MGH WIC office. Residents are invited to come sample fruits and vegetables picked ripe and fresh that day, dance it up with our Zumba coach, and learn about the amazing work being done by organizations from all across Revere. Local radio channel, North Shore 104.9, will bring the music and free giveaways.
For its 16th year, National Farmers Market Week 2015 aims to recognize the vital role that farmers markets play in local economies. The declaration was made official by the proclamation signed by Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack. Throughout the week, the USDA will celebrate thousands of our nation's farmers markets, the farmers and ranchers who make them possible, and the communities that host them.
"National Farmers Market Week is a great opportunity for farmers markets across the country to host special events to showcase all the tremendous services they provide," said Secretary Vilsack. Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support farmers and help grow urban and rural economies alike. “They bring communities together, connecting cities with the farms and providing Americans with fresh, healthy food."
Farmers markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, these grassroots venues have increased in number by over 60% since 2009 to nearly 8,500 today. These markets preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious food, improve community health, and promote sustainability. For example, growers selling locally create thirteen full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned while those that do not sell locally create only three.
This year, the Revere Farmers’ Market is under new management, is hosted in its new location on the front lawn of the American Legion, and is supported by the City and several offices within MGH including the Center for Community Health Improvement, the MGH-Revere HealthCare Center, and the Revere CARES Coalition. Currently, the Revere Farmers’ Market has between nine and fourteen vendors each week, collectively serving up a wide variety of products. “We have three local farmers who highlight not only the regions traditional crops, but also a bright selection of ethnic produce. Your market experience doesn’t end with peak-season fruits and vegetables; you can also find eggs, meats, freshly baked breads, delectable desserts, soups, coffees, and all-natural trail mixes. Our growing market has a mission to ensure social justice for our farmers, to advocate for holistically healthy lifestyles, and to promote sustainable practices that are environmentally friendly. We believe the market has great potential to generate thousands of dollars in sales: a valuable economic boost for our region,” says Market Manager Andie Janota. “When you come to our market, you’re buying much more than just food.”
“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.“
