FEDERAL, STATE OFFICIALS CELEBRATE NATIONAL FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK AT BALTIMORE CITY MARKET

Raise Awareness of Farmers’ Markets as a Source of Nutrition for All Marylanders and Increased Access to WIC, Senior Farmers’ Market Program and SNAP

BALTIMORE (August 4, 2010) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service’s Under Secretary Kevin Concannon and Maryland Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Patrick McMillan today celebrated National Farmers’ Market week with a visit to the Park Heights Farmers’ Market, one of three markets in Baltimore City that are piloting the acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps).

“We are pleased that USDA selected Maryland to announce National Farmers’ Market Week.  Buying locally, especially directly from farmers at farmers’ markets, is good for the environment, good for our health and is a key to ensuring a smart, green and growing future for Maryland families,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Farmers’ markets are increasingly popular sources of farm-fresh, locally-grown, nutritious produce in communities across the state and the nation. Every dollar spent on local products supports and strengthens our family-owned farms and contributes to the economic health of the community.”

Concannon presented market organizers with the proclamation signed by USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declaring the week of August 1 -7, 2010, as National Farmers’ Market Week.  McMillan noted that Maryland Governor O’Malley is supporting USDA with Farmers’ Market Week promotion in Maryland including a focus on the health, economic and environmental benefits of buying local.  McMillan also emphasized the importance of access to fresh and local food for all Marylanders through such programs as the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and SNAP.  The Park Heights market is one of only nine markets to accept SNAP in Maryland.

“USDA is committed to expanding the number of farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits and we are eager to work with states like Maryland to achieve that goal,” said Under Secretary Concannon.  “Farmers markets help low-income individuals buy affordable, healthy food for themselves and their families, and, at the same time, directly benefit local food producers.”

Nationwide, there are more than 5,200 farmers markets – a record number – compared with about 2,800 in the year 2000.  According to the USDA, sales generated by farmers markets have been estimated to exceed $1 billion a year, with most of the money going directly to small family farmers.  The 2010 Directory will be released during Farmers Market Week, and an updated National Survey of Farmers’ Market Managers – the last was done in 2005 – is underway and scheduled to be released in 2011.

The number of markets in Maryland has been on the rise over the past few years. About 38 new markets have opened in the past four years, with 10 opening this year in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Washington, and Frederick counties.  In total, there are 117 farmers’ markets attended by more than 300 farmers operating throughout Maryland.

The WIC & Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program make locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey available to low-income women, infants and children (WIC) as well as income-eligible seniors age 60 and older.  Eligible participants receive checks for $18 (WIC) up to $30 (seniors) valid through October 31 to purchase certain products from authorized farmer vendors.  Click here for more information on the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

In Maryland in 2009, there were 134,493 WIC vouchers and 67,475 senior vouchers redeemed through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.  There are currently more than 300 authorized farmer vendors in the state, who deposited approximately $600,000 in 2009 from the program.

The three farmers at the Park Heights Farmers’ Market are authorized farmer vendors in the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and all are accepting the new Fruit and Vegetable Checks issued this year through the Office of the Maryland WIC Program in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  The market has been a great source of fresh food in the Park Heights community, which is considered a “food desert” by the Center for a Livable Future.

“As one of Baltimore’s first mid-week farmers markets we have always tried to be an outlet for fresh, inexpensive alternatives to the limited food options in the neighborhood.  We are excited that our market tradition seems to be a mission at all levels of government,” said Willie Flowers, executive director of the Park Heights Community Health Alliance – the organization that manages the market.

The Park Heights market is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In related news, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded $121,445 in grants to the Maryland Department of Agriculture and its partners for two projects. The first grant is for $20,825 to assess the economic impact of Maryland farmers’ markets, identify ways to expand the customer base and increase sales at farmers’ markets, and explore the feasibility of forming a statewide farmers’ market association. The second grant is for $100,620 to encourage increased use of locally-produced sustainable protein foods such as beef, pork, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood, in Maryland health care facilities and institutions.

Click here for complete information on locations, days and hours of farmers’ markets throughout Maryland. To find local products, visit www.MarylandsBest.net.

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