August 19 to 25 is Massachusetts Farmers Market Week! There are now over 250 Farmers Markets across the Commonwealth, close to double the number from five years ago. Farmers Markets bring a host of important benefits to our communities:

  • Boosting local farms through direct-to-consumer sales (more than 99% of farms in Massachusetts are local, family-owned businesses);
  • Increasing access to fresh, healthy food for low-income families (over 100 Markets now participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program);
  • Attracting new visitors to downtown areas and generating spin-off economic activity.

To celebrate Massachusetts Farmers Market Week, special activities are planned at more than twenty-five Markets, including chef’s demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, contests, free samples and more. Find a market near you, and enjoy your (locally grown) fruits and veggies!

Thanks for all you do for Massachusetts,

The Conservation Common and Urban Park Advocates Team