Media Advisory: Maryland Secretary of Agriculture to Celebrate Farmers Market Week

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Secretary Joe Bartenfelder will celebrate National and Maryland Farmers Market Week (August 2-8, 2015) with visits at two markets next week to meet with market managers, farmers, vendors and customers while encouraging all Marylanders to visit farmers’ market and buy local products whenever possible.

Buying local supports family farms, local jobs and local economies while providing families with fresh, healthy produce. Farmers markets also provide an important source of income for farmers. For more information: www.mda.maryland.gov or www.marylandsbest.net. There are currently more than 140 markets across the state – at least one in every county and Baltimore. At least one farmer at all of the markets participates in the WIC and Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which helps to expand access for low-income Marylanders to be able to purchase fresh local fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey at their local farmers’ market.  For more information about National and Maryland Farmers Market Week

Tuesday, August 4
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Anne Arundel County Farmers Market, 1 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD

Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder to give brief remarks, present Governor’s Proclamation Designating Aug. 2-8, 2015, Farmers Market Week in Maryland and tour the Anne Arundel County Riva Road Farmers Market. He will be joined by Sylvia Nah, MPH, Program Specialist, Supplemental Food Program, USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

Wednesday, August 5
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Govanstowne Farmers Market (5104 York Road, Baltimore, MD)

The Maryland Farmers Market Association, Maryland Hunger Solutions, and Govanstowne Farmers Market to host a joint Celebration of National Farmers Market Week and Summer Meals at Baltimore City Farmers Markets. The event will include a brief program including remarks by MDA Secretary Joe Bartenfelder, refreshments from local producers, music, activities for the whole family, and a market basket raffle. For the first time, the Summer Food Service Program is available at three participating Baltimore City farmers markets: Govanstowne, Druid Hill, and Pigtown. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP or Summer Meals) feeds kids who might otherwise go hungry. This federal program helps families stretch their food budgets throughout the summer months and should be expanded to serve even more children in need.

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