FRESHFARM operates the third largest farmers market network in the country. Our markets play a pivotal role in building a strong and resilient local food system by creating economic opportunities for farmers and local businesses, fueling local economies, serving as placemakers and community gathering spots, and providing vital food access points available to all.
Farmers Markets as Economic Engines
By offering a platform for small- and mid-sized farms and food producers to sell directly to consumers, FRESHFARM ensures that these entrepreneurs retain a significant portion of their sales revenue and fosters an environment where small businesses can flourish (see impact maps below). This direct sales model particularly benefits local, BIPOC-owned, and women-owned businesses.
Moreover, our farmers markets create a dynamic employment ecosystem, creating jobs in agriculture, food production, and markets. Our farmers markets directly support dozens of jobs across market management, customer service, and vendor support roles. These diverse employment opportunities contribute substantially to building a skilled workforce invested in the regional food system and economy.
Learn about the economic impact of our markets
Farmers Markets as Placemakers
In the bustling landscape of our food system, FRESHFARM farmers markets are a crucial placemaking strategy in the growth of diverse communities across the region. Our farmers markets transform streets, sidewalks, plazas, parking lots, and parks across the DC Metro area into dynamic community strongholds. They connect people to places in ways that foster social relationships and shape the character of community interactions. Additionally, they reinvigorate neighborhoods in Washington, DC and the surrounding areas, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit.
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Farmers Markets as Food Access Sites
FRESHFARM has been a trailblazer in improving food access and making federal assistance go further so that our farmers markets can serve as welcoming food access sites for shoppers from all walks of life, regardless of income.
In 2009, we became the first market in Washington, DC to accept SNAP benefits. Subsequently, in 2010, we were among the earliest markets nationwide to introduce a matching incentive program for SNAP spending. Building on these early innovations, FRESHFARM has expanded its suite of food access programs, reducing economic barriers to fresh, local foods for hundreds of thousands of food-insecure residents across Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Impact Maps
In 2023, our farmers market network generated $28.5 million for 268 small- and mid-sized farmers and food producers, promoting a thriving local food economy, strengthening a short supply chain, and creating a more resilient and equitable regional food system. These maps visualize the positive economic impact of our markets on local growers and food producers in the region.
Farmers Markets 2023 Stats
Our network of 27 farmers markets and farm stands span Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland
We hosted 998 market days, bringing economic vitality, food access, and community to locations across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland
1,029,148 shoppers visited our farmers markets and farm stands, purchasing local food, supporting the regional food economy, and creating community