LANSING, MICH – The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is excited to host the 10th annual Farmers Markets at the Capitol on the East Lawn of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing. The event will kick off on Thursday, July 30 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with other market dates taking place on Thursday, August 27 and September 24.
At the July market, shoppers can enjoy goods from more than 70 vendors from across the state selling Michigan-grown and produced products ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers, meat, cheese, baked goods, prepared foods and much more. CATA Acts of Culture entertainment will take place from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. with a performance by the John Dale Smith Band. In addition, shoppers can learn to prepare their favorite fresh, seasonal produce with cooking demonstrations provided by Michigan State University (MSU) Corporate Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski throughout the day near the east steps of the Capitol Building.
“This year, we are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Farmers Markets at the Capitol,” said Dru Montri, MIFMA Director. “Farmers markets are an important part of Michigan communities. Hosting this event on the lawn of the Capitol in Lansing allows us to demonstrate the impact farmers markets can have on their local community. Our goal is to remind legislators that farmers markets support a triple bottom-line for communities by stimulating the local economy, acting as places for community development, and supporting the health and wellbeing of the community by creating greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables.”
To help shoppers navigate the market and event schedule, the “Michigan Farmers Market” app is available free on iTunes and Google Play for mobile devices. The app also contains information about vendors, event sponsors, market features, food assistance benefits accepted and more.
The markets accept Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH and Market FRESH, ensuring that all Michigan residents have access to the fresh, local fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods that the vendors have to offer.
Farmers Markets at the Capitol will also be held on Thursday, August 27 and September 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. The markets are hosted by MIFMA in partnership with Michigan Food and Farming Systems and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Sponsors for the July event include CATA Clean Commute Options, Lansing City Pulse, Sparrow Health Systems, Mousetrap Mobile, W.K. Kellogg Chair in Agricultural food, and Community Ethics – Paul B. Thompson, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Farm Bureau, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Municipal League, Advanced Insurance Markets Ltd., MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, Capitol Area Recycling and Trash.
To find a full list of farmers markets in Michigan, including those that accept food assistance benefits, visit the www.mifma.org or download the Michigan Farmers Market app, and click “Find a Farmers Market”.
Download the Market Vendor Map
Keep up on market happenings and join the Facebook Event group
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