This week we are celebrating National Farmers Market Week. One of the best parts of living in the Twin Cities is the abundance of thriving farmers markets. Of course, our two favorite farmers markets are the ones we manage: the Linden Hills Farmers Market in South Minneapolis and the MidCity Farmers Market in the south St Anthony Park neighborhood of St Paul. If you haven’t been to these markets yet, we highly recommend it. Both of our markets feature local growers, food producers, artists, and musicians. (Scroll to the end for more info on these markets and how to visit them!)
Today we want to share our top 5 reasons why we love farmers markets:
- Support environmental sustainability
Shopping at farmers markets can be a great way to lower your carbon footprint. Shopping from local farmers means that the food travels fewer miles to get to your plate. Plus, these farmers often use natural practices with less chemicals and other intensive practices that degrade the land. Supporting local farmers helps to reduce chemical pollution that damages our soil and waterways.
- Cultivate community & relationships
Markets are more than just a place to shop for local, sustainable groceries – they are a community gathering place. It’s a great place to meet and talk with your neighbors and other folks who share the same interests and values as you. You can also get to know your farmers to learn more about where your food comes from. Many markets also support artists, which make them great for gift shopping. You can find unique items like pottery, soaps, jewelry, and clothing to directly support folks in your community and support a thriving, creative local economy.
- Promote ethical & seasonal eating
Farmers who sell at markets care deeply about their land and the animals they tend. Especially if you eat animal proteins, buying these products directly from farmers can help ensure that the animals were treated humanely and respectfully during their time on the farm. Shopping at markets also helps you get the freshest, in-season produce to help you connect. Bonus – fresh, seasonal produce tastes the best!
- Expand healthy food access
Farmers markets add more options for folks to buy healthy, nutritious foods during the growing season. Many markets, including the MidCity Farmers Market, accept EBT/SNAP as payment, and offer additional programming like Market Bucks to help stretch food budgets. The Market Bucks program in Minnesota, sponsored by Hunger Solutions (now part of The Food Group), multiplies EBT dollars by 3: for every $1 of EBT taken out at a market, customers get an additional $2 of Market and Produce Bucks to spend on local foods.
- Incubate entrepreneurship:
Maybe the most underappreciated aspect of farmers markets is how they serve as hubs of entrepreneurship. Markets are often the first place where local start-ups sell their products and connect with customers. This is because vending at markets is financially accessible and allows for iteration before investing in permanent infrastructure. Small businesses can test out ideas and get direct market feedback from potential customers. We love seeing all the food producers, bakers, fermenters, artists, and other makers telling their stories and selling the wares they put their heart and souls into.
Inspired? Come and see us soon at one of the farmers markets we manage!
Location: 2813 W 43rd Ave, Minneapolis, in the parking lot of Settergren’s of Linden Hills Hardware Store
Day/hours: Sundays 10am – 1pm, May - October
The Linden Hills Farmers Market has been a neighborhood staple since 2012 and was voted Best Farmers Market in Minnesota by Star Tribune readers in 2023.
For more info, follow us on Instagram!
Location: 693 Raymond Ave, St. Paul, in the parking lot of MidCity Kitchen
Day/hours: Wednesdays 4-8, June – October
This brand new market was founded in 2024 as a collaboration between BrightSide Produce, MidCity Kitchen, and the MN Farmers Market Association.