Interest in farmers markets has grown, area organizers say

File photo The Marshall Farmers Market will be coming back for the season starting July 3.

The Marshall market starts July 3, and markets in Canby and Minneota are starting up July 6 and July 22, respectively.

“It’s been really great.

Markets in the Marshall area have grown over the years with a variety of food and craft vendors, as well as entertainment like music and kids’ activities.

“We are very excited to get things started,” said Kim Guenther, coordinator of the Marshall Farmers Market.

The Marshall farmers market includes vendors selling not only vegetables and fruit, but baked goods, jams, locally-raised meats, and crafts, he said.

Interest in local farmers markets has grown over the years, area vendors and organizers said.

Organizers of the Minneota Farmer’s Market announced on Facebook that they are looking to expand this year with music and events like group fundraisers.

One development that’s grown over the years in Marshall and other community farmers markets is a the variety of programs to help residents get fresh fruits and vegetables.

Established in 2018, the TFT program gives out $2 tokens at organizations and community events which can be used to buy fresh produce at participating farmers markets.

At the Canby Farmers Market, “We just started accepting SNAP benefits last year,” Berckes said.

Some of the benefits of local farmers markets is that they help connect area producers with customers, and draw people to town, participants said.

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