MFFM’s mission is to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable farmers’ market community as a vital part of Maine’s local food network. The Federation works with farmers, consumers and communities to make wholesome, locally-grown foods available to all residents, to educate consumers about food resources and to support farm viability.
There are farmers markets all over the state. Some operate year round while others are seasonal. Currently there are about 115 summer farmers’ markets and 30-35 winter farmers’ markets. To find one near you, check their Market Schedule.
The MFFM also administers programs like Maine Harvest Bucks at a network of farmers’ markets throughout the state of Maine, which increases the value of federal nutrition assistance dollars from programs like SNAP/EBT. When these benefits are spent at participating markets, MHB allows markets to offer shoppers bonus vouchers to spend on local produce at the market so SNAP/EBT shoppers get extra healthy, wholesome foods at no extra cost while helping local farmers grow their businesses. Another program is called Bumper Crop, through which Maine employers provide gift vouchers to their employees to buy fresh, local food at farmers’ markets.
If you have ever thought about ways your School Garden could participate at a farmers’ market, here are some things MFFM suggest you keep in mind:
- 99% of farmers’ markets in Maine are entirely volunteer-run by the vendor members themselves. That means it’s the people who are running farm businesses who are also dealing with all the organizational and administrative work to keep the market going. These are not paid positions – the farmers do it to sustain their markets. Many have spent decades building up these markets so that they can keep their family farms going.
- Most farmers’ markets do their own fundraising to sustain their low-income food access programs, so it may not be a good venue to solicit donations for your own group. However, some markets welcome local nonprofit and service organizations to table and share information on a pre-arranged date. You will need to get in touch with a vendor at the market to find out who to ask about tabling and what is appropriate for your display and possible activities.
- If you are looking to be a vendor and sell things at a market, keep in mind that farmers’ market application season is in the fall and winter. Look up your local farmers’ market’s rules and application system to know when you’d need to apply if you want to be a vendor.
To find a farmers market, search the Maine Farmers Market Directory online by location or by day of the week. Although affiliated with MFFM, all of the farmers markets in the state are independently run, usually by a group of vendors.
Want to know more?!
- Website: mainefarmersmarkets.org
- Email: info@mffm.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/mainefarmersmarkets
