PITTSBURGH - The City of Pittsburgh farmers' markets joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 7-13, 2022. Festivities will be enjoyed at the Squirrel Hill, East End, Carrick, and North Side Farmers markets throughout the week, including live music from local musicians and giveaway items for the first 100 customers at each market.
National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers' markets coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a membership-based nonprofit organization that supports farmers' markets nationwide through training, technical assistance, and network-building. Farmers' markets foster direct relationships between community members and farmers which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system. Farmers' markets are also a hub for connection and collective action around shared values, and this week strives to highlight these important parts of our communities.
The City of Pittsburgh’s four farmers' markets currently hosts nearly 20 farmers from the local region, and over 50 total vendors selling a wide variety of products, including fresh produce and baked goods, hot prepared foods, confections, and handmade products.
“Our local farmer markets provide a critical resource to Pittsburgh residents,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “National Farmers Market Week will be a celebration of our work supporting urban farmers, fighting food insecurity, and ensuring fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals are accessible to everyone. Special thanks to the Office of Special Events and all of our local vendors for their incredible work behind the scenes to ensure these markets thrive.”
In 2021, over 100 million in federal nutrition benefits were redeemed at farmers' markets and with direct marketing farmers, with nearly 600,000 households making at least one purchase at these outlets nationwide. All City of Pittsburgh farmers' markets accept food stamps (SNAP), and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program.
“Farmers' markets are abundant sources of food, connection, and resilience in our communities across the country, but they don’t just happen on their own,” said Ben Feldman, Farmers Market Coalition Executive Director. “Behind the scenes of every successful farmers' market is a dedicated person or team working to make the market thrive. These farmers' market operators are experts who need community and financial support to run their markets and resources specifically designed for their needs. Throughout National Farmers Market Week 2022, we will be highlighting the vital work of farmers' market operators across the nation. Join us!”
NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK DATES AND PERFORMANCES
Sunday, August 7: The Chicken Chasers at 10 am
Squirrel Hill Market (9am-1pm)
Beacon-Bartlett Parking Lot
Monday, August 8: DJ Arie Cole at 3:30 pm
East End Market (3:30-6:30pm)
Liberty Green Park, 100 Larimer Ave
Wednesday, August 10: Marcus Jones, DJ Marky Mark 412 at 4pm
Carrick Market (3:30-6:30pm)
Carrick Community Pavilion, 1529 Brownsville Rd.
Friday, August 12: Byron Nash at 3:30pm
North Side Market (3-7pm)
Allegheny Commons East, near Cedar Ave. and E. Ohio St.
