Downtown Elgin Harvest Market celebrates National Farmers Market Week
National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 2-8. In celebration, DNA's Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is pulling out all the stops. Many vendors will be giving out free samples of their delicious food. Every customer who visits the market will be eligible for a prize basket worth over $100. And as always, there will be live entertainment, kids activities, and plenty of options for lunch. The market is located at 200 N. Grove Ave in Elgin and is open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Farmers markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, these grass-roots venues have increased in number by over 60 percent since 2009 to nearly 8,500 today. These markets preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious food, improve community health, and promote sustainability. For example, growers selling locally create 13 full-time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned while those that do not sell locally only create three. The Farmers Market Coalition recently released a series of fact sheets detailing the many other impacts of markets. Visit farmersmarketcoalition.org. Illinois is home to over 150 farmers markets.
The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, which began in 2000, currently has over 25 vendors offering a wide variety of products, including fresh, quality vegetables, fruits, bread, meat, fish and cheese, gourmet popcorn, handmade soaps and lotions, homemade granola, spices, and knife-sharpening services. In the most recent season, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market brought more than 8,000 customers to the heart of downtown Elgin to patronize these local producers, a valuable economic boost for the region.
"The market is a vibrant and wonderful place," said market manager Jamey Bouwmeester. "It's a weekly opportunity to get stock up on locally grown and produced food, and a great way to support local small businesses. Plus, you get to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you're shopping."
Another great feature of the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is the option to use credit or debit cards, and even LINK cards, at any of the vendors. In fact, customers who use LINK cards at the market can double their purchasing power, thanks to a matching grant from BMO Harris Bank.
"Farmers markets play a vital role in forming healthy, local food systems," says Jen Cheek, executive director of the Farmers Market Coalition. "By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier."