LANSING, MICH – The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), a statewide association with a mission to advance farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products, is looking forward to hosting three Farmers Markets at the Capitol this summer. The events take place on the east lawn of the Michigan State Capitol Building in downtown Lansing and kick off on Thursday, July 26 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. with additional markets on Thursday, August 23, and September 20.
At the July market, shoppers can visit more than 75 vendors from across the state who sell Michigan-grown and Michigan-produced products ranging from fruits and vegetables to artisan cheeses, eggs, meat, sauces, baked goods, apples, cider, donuts, pies, mixes, spice rubs, jams, chocolates and caramels, soap, honey, beeswax products, popcorn and kettle corn, maple syrup, dog treats and cut flowers. Visitors to the market will be treated to two complementary musical performances performed by members of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra on the lawn of the Capitol beginning at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition, shoppers can learn to prepare recipes using fresh, seasonal produce that will be available at the market. Cooking demonstrations sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will begin at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. near the east steps of the Capitol Building.
“Hosting this event on the lawn of the State Capitol allows us to demonstrate the positive impacts Michigan’s 300 farmers markets have on their local communities. Our goal is to remind legislators that farmers markets stimulate the local economy, foster community development, and support the health and well-being of community residents,” explains MIFMA Executive Director, Amanda Shreve.
Join our Facebook events to get updates about the markets in July, August, and September.
The market accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH, Senior Market FRESH, and Hoophouses for Health Market Cards. MIFMA is committed to ensuring that all Michigan residents have access to the fresh, local fruits, vegetables and other food products sold at the market.
Sponsors for the July event include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, CATA Clean Commute Options, Michigan State Federal Credit Union, Lansing State Journal, McLaren Health Plan, Physicians Health Plan, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MSU Center for Regional Food System, and Advanced Insurance Markets.
To view a map listing all of the Farmers Market at the Capitol vendors and participating organizations, visit www.mifma.org/fmatthecapitol. To find a full list of farmers markets in Michigan, including those that accept food assistance benefits, visit www.mifma.org/findafarmersmarket.