Farmers markets create the ultimate win-win-win scenario. They provide consumers access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other foods, while also giving farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers. Just ask executive director Jerry Lami who manages the West Coast Farmers Market Association.
Mr. Lami knows firsthand the positive developments that farmers markets can spark. “They create a fantastic relationship between communities and farmers,” he shares. “Neighbors meet neighbors. It’s a social gathering and an opportunity for customers to meet growers; then new relationships begins.” The end result, he adds, is that the farmer becomes a trusted food provider.
When asked how he first got involved with farmers markets, Lami says he has been around fruits and vegetables all his life. His grandfather owned a produce stand, which his father helped to run. Lami continued the family tradition by working as a produce manager for grocery stores and then in the restaurant business. He made the move into farmers markets after realizing the great opportunities available for small businesses and for farmers. Based in Northern California, he opened his first market four years ago and has since expanded his business to include thirteen of them.
Lami is now creating even more positive changes. He has joined the more than 6,400 farmers, roadside farm stands, and farmers markets across the nation that accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Becoming authorized to accept SNAP benefits helps farmers increase their customer base, gives SNAP recipients access to healthy food, and encourages consumption of locally grown produce. Jerry signed up to have each of his thirteen markets become SNAP-authorized during an event that USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service held in Oakland, CA this past May. “SNAP is very beneficial. It’s really needed, especially in low-income areas,” he emphasizes.
Across the country, farmers, roadside farm stands, and farmers markets are experiencing the same positive change that Lami has seen. National SNAP redemptions at those outlets totaled $18.8 million during fiscal year 2014, a nearly six-fold increase since 2008.When asked what he would say to a farmer or farmer market manager who is considering signing up to be SNAP-authorized, Lami replied, “What are you waiting for?”
Visit the SNAP EBT page to learn about benefits at Farmers Markets and how to sign up.
