Governor to Kick Off Farmers' Market Week in Salem

Gov. Maggie Hassan will be at the Salem Farmers' Market this Sunday for the kick-off of National Farmers' Market Week, Aug. 4-10.

The governor is tentatively scheduled to announce a proclamation at 10 a.m.

The market, which is hosted by Lake Street Garden Center at 37 Lake St., will include live entertainment, a scavenger hunt for children and a farm-to-table tasting feature to help showcase local farms and entrepreneurs.

More on the market and national farmers' market week, according to a press release from Jane Lang, who organized the Salem market in 2010:

"By the end of 2012, there were more than 7,800 farmers markets in the U.S—a 10% increase in just one year. The numbers continue to rise as farmers markets become fresh food mainstays for shoppers across all socio-economic, political, and ethnic ranges. Now more than ever, farmers markets serve as anchors across American communities, positively influencing community health and wealth. Markets result in more viable regional economies and local farm businesses, increased access to fresh, nutritious food, and stronger social networks that help keep communities healthy. New Hampshire is home to a significantly growth of Farmers Markets in the past years.

We offer SNAP/ EBT and debit cards at our Market and recently kicked off a double value token campaign for anyone struggling whether on food stamps or just struggling to make ends meet. (The working poor). For every dollar they purchase we will double that. Buy 10.00 get 20.00 to spend. We are doing this without any grants only donations from local organizations we have reached to, the community and from our vendor fees.

"Farmers markets play a vital role in forming strong, healthy, local food systems," says Jen O’Brien, Interim Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. "By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets have the benefit of serving as education hubs, small business incubators, and civic centers. National Farmers Market Week is the perfect time to visit your community’s market and learn about the amazing work that America’s small farmers are doing every day."