LANSING, MICH – The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), a statewide association with a mission to place equity at the forefront of supporting the viability of community-driven marketplaces so that they can connect ALL consumers to local farms and businesses, is hosting the third and final Farmers Market at the Capitol event of the season on Tuesday, September 23 from 9 AM to 2 PM. The season kicked off on Tuesday, July 22 and an additional market held August 26.
“We are beyond excited to be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Farmers Markets at the Capitol this year,” says MIFMA Executive Director Amanda Shreve. “We are grateful for all of the support from past and present sponsors, vendors, and customers over the years. We regularly hear from state employees and downtown workers that these markets are their favorite days of the year, and we feel very honored by that, too!”
MIFMA’s Farmers Markets at the Capitol are a staple of downtown Lansing’s summer landscape. The markets offer the smell of local floral bouquets, the sweet taste of vine-ripened produce, and so much more. Approximatey 60 Michigan farmers and vendors will be in attendance, offering a cornucopia of products including fresh produce, prepared foods, jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, meat, salsas, dips, pickled products, soaps, and more. Visitors can also enjoy scheduled performances by the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.
“A lot has changed in the last 20 years, but our commitment to Michigan products has only grown stronger,” says Jenny Radon, MIFMA Programs Director. “Our vendors represent more than businesses that just so happen to be located in Michigan- they’re champions for Michigan’s agricultural products.”
The mission of the markets is to provide a thriving marketplace that showcases Michigan food and agricultural products in an effort to educate our state decision-makers on the importance of supporting farmers, ag-based businesses, and farmers markets. The market accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Bridge Cards and Double Up Food Bucks. 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 September event include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Lansing Board of Water and Light Hometown Energy Savers Program; WKAR; the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Capital City Market; Capital Region International Airport; GreenStone Farm Credit Services; Granger Waste Services; and AF Group.
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/.
###