Written by Tammy Murphy, ES Farmers Market Director
Another successful season has come and gone. We had several new vendors and several returning vendors. Our new location allowed for more parking & space not only for vendors, but customers as well.
Some exciting information includes the ability to put back into our local Community approximately $3,000 just in benefit transactions(SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, SFMNP). This means that $3,000 went back into our local producers hands rather than the big name stores. We also saw an average of 14 weekly vendors of which 67% provided food items. Another piece of information is that our Facebook page has grown to over 1,400 followers, in March of 2023 we had a little over 140. We are also continuing to learn how to interact with Instagram.
We continue to review the survey results that several completed and are looking at adjustments that can be made to improve and continue to help our market grow next season.
We hope to have some exciting news to share in the near future, so be sure to watch our Facebook page. Also remember that without the support of our community, we would not be able to have or continue to have a market. Our vendors are here to provide you with fresh, healthy local foods and locally produced goods. We need your support to keep the vendors returning each season and attracting new vendors.
What can you do? Support the market each week and bring or tell a friend. Follow our Facebook page and Instagram. Complete surveys to help us address any needs.
As always A BIG THANK YOU to all those that volunteer (Janet Wesley, Kristen DeHart, Mike Edwards, Abi Douglas) weekly at the market. Your support is truly appreciated.
We are already preparing for next season and don’t forget to make plans to attend our Christmas Market December 7th from 9am-1pm at the Excelsior Springs Community Center. We will have baked goods, honey, meat, limited produce, crafts, gift ideas, and some of our local young entrepreneurs will be showcasing their products as well.
