Celebrating National Farmers Market Week

Happy National Farmers Market Week, everyone! Celebrated annually during the second week of August, the week highlights the important role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system. This year marks the 18th year the Farmers Market Coalition and USDA put the spotlight on farmers markets and their impact to our communities.

https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/programs/national-farmers-market-week/




Farmers markets have definitely been thriving in the past few years, not just in Acadiana and Louisiana but all over the country. I love to peruse the in-season produce, but markets have become much more than a simple stop for locally grown produce. It's common to find meat, fish, seafood and eggs, along with delicacies like tamales, bacon, prepared foods, desserts and pastries, and other gourmet items. Some vendors follow organic growing methods, and others use organic ingredients in their foods.

Plus, there are the non-food booths, where you can find unique locally made crafts, clothing and home goods.



Farmers markets have truly become a one-stop shop, typically held on Saturday mornings, but sometimes even during the week.


When we were in Hawaii this past winter, we visited the very popular Kailua Farmers Market on a Thursday evening, where it took what felt like an hour to visit each booth and decide what we wanted to eat. It all looked - and smelled - amazing.


But getting back closer to home, there are a few different farmers markets that you can check out. From my research, all these markets are currently in operation, but if any are closed, or I haven't listed one that is open, please leave a comment and let me know!

Lafayette Parish


Vermilion Parish


Iberia Parish

St. Landry Parish


Calcasieu Parish


Rapides Parish


Avoyelles Parish



Many local farms participate in multiple farmers markets so they can reach as many people as they can. And thanks to social media, it's easy to follow the farms as well as the markets. I know I would be forgetting more than one farm if I tried to list them all, but I encourage you to get out to your local market and visit with the vendors, then follow them on social media!


I picked up some fresh okra this past weekend at the farmers market, and I may or may not have eaten it all by myself already...

As you plan your farmers market trip, don't forget to bring your cloth produce and shopping bags. If you live nearby, ride your bike instead of driving to the market! Bonus points if you have a bike basket to hold all your goodies.

And while most vendors take credit cards these days, bring cash just in case.

 


A few of my past blog posts about farmers markets:

Find more information via Louisiana Travel.

So now that you know why it's important to support your local farmers market, and you've found the market nearest you, you have a few days to plan out your trip.

National Farmer's Market Week runs through this Saturday, August 12, so make it part of your weekend to support your local farmers and artisans!
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