Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) joins markets across Washington and the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 2-8, 2020. In the midst of a global pandemic, farmers markets have been adapting rapidly and innovating safe solutions in order to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. WSFMA worked with Bellingham artist, Ben Mann, to create a painting that portrays the necessary changes that farmers markets have implemented in light of COVID-19 and also celebrated the community spirit that shoppers relish.
“WSFMA had a very specific and timely need to help shoppers reimagine what to expect at their farmers market,” says Colleen Donovan, WSFMA Executive Director. “We knew that Ben’s whimsical and colorful style would perfectly convey the vibrancy that farmers markets are known for while also clearly illuminating new safety protocols.” This artwork graces the cover of WSFMA’s 2020 Washington State Farmers Market Directory (available at your local farmers market information booth).
“I am thrilled to make designs that visually propel the mission and message of agencies and businesses that I work with,” says Ben Mann. “In this pandemic, Washington State Farmers Market Association takes safety seriously, for patrons and farmers, and called on me to convey that.”
Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets coordinated by the national Farmers Market Coalition that supports and advocates for farmers markets. This year, the campaign is centered around the essential role that farmers markets play in the food system as demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic. More than ever, Farmers Market Week is a celebration of the resiliency and adaptability of farmers markets. We encourage customers to support their local farm and small businesses by shopping farmers markets first.
Bellingham Farmers Market Director, Lora Liegel, shares “Farmers Markets are vital to supporting small farms and local businesses. Every time you shop at a farmers market your purchase goes directly to supporting your community. Now more than ever, our community needs us. And we need you.”
To find a farmers market near you, visit: http://wafarmersmarkets.org/washingtonfarmersmarketdirectory/. The interactive map allows you to find you closest market, to search day of the week, and to look up which payments the market accepts (SNAP, WIC & Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and credit/debit cards).
