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 hosting Farmers Market at the Capitol event on Thursday, July 21 from 9 AM to 2 PM with additional markets on Thursday, August 18 and September 29.
At the market, shoppers can visit more than 60 vendors from across the state who sell Michigan-grown and Michigan-produced products ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisan cheeses, eggs, meat, condiments, baked goods, jams, chocolates and caramels, bath and body products, honey, popcorn and kettle corn, maple syrup, and cut flowers.
“No Michigan summer is complete without a trip to the farmers market. With over 250 farmers markets across our state, there are ample opportunities to connect with Michigan farmers, stimulate the local economy as you purchase local food and farm products, and join the celebration of the health and wellbeing of our communities that are all essential components of farmers markets,” exclaims MIFMA Executive Director, Amanda Shreve.
The market accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH, and Senior Market FRESH. 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.
“Michigan’s farmers markets offer an excellent opportunity for consumers to get to know their area farmers and budding agri-food entrepreneurs while supporting those local small business who are the backbone of our economic engine,” said Gary McDowell, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “The annual Farmers Markets on the Capitol Lawn are a summertime staple in Lansing showcasing the diversity and vitality of the state’s food and agriculture sector.”
Sponsors for the July event include Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
To view a map listing all of the Farmers Market at the Capitol vendors and participating organizations, visit www.mifma.org/fmcap. To find a full list of farmers markets in Michigan, including those that accept food assistance benefits, visit www.mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/.