By Carlee Leonhard, Farmers Market Ambassador Coordinator
Did you know that National Farmers Market Week is celebrated every August? At Farmers Market L.I.F.E., we believe a single week just isn’t enough, so we’re celebrating all month long.
This August, we’re launching Farmers Market Appreciation Month to shine a spotlight on what makes our markets so special: The people, the fresh food, and the spirit of community.
Bingo Games with Prizes, and More
One of the ways we’re celebrating is with Bingo Cards that shoppers can use to win prizes while supporting local farmers and vendors. Each card is a mini-adventure that encourages you to explore your market in a new way. Whether it’s buying something you’ve never tried, bringing a friend, or learning a vendor’s story, there’s no wrong way to play. It’s all about having fun and recognizing the folks who make our markets happen each week.
Stay tuned on our Instagram @ OurFarmersMarkets and Facebook @ FarmersMarketLIFE to see which markets are participating and how you can join in. We’ll also be sharing stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments that show why farmers markets matter.
Follow us on social media to find out about farmers market special events, prizes, and more.
Instagram @OurFarmersMarkets
Facebook @FarmersMarketLIFE
August events at local farmers markets include the following.
- Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Zucchini Festival at Healdsburg Farmers Market.
- Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, Obon Celebration with Sonoma County Taiko at Occidental Community Farmers Market.
Find a Sonoma County farmers market that works for your schedule at OurFarmersMarkets.org.
Why Are We Celebrating Farmers Markets All Month?
Because farmers markets don’t just happen. They are made possible by real people doing meaningful work that strengthens our community.
Farmers markets educate and connect us
Markets bring farmers and shoppers together, building trust, teaching us where our food comes from, and closing the gap between rural and urban communities. According to a national USDA survey, 72% of people know very little or nothing about farming. Farmers markets help change that.
Farmers markets are powered by volunteers
In 2020, more than 31,000 volunteers helped operate over 5,000 markets across the U.S. Our local markets rely on these generous individuals, from setting up tents to handing out flyers to offering family-friendly activities. Their time and dedication keep everything running.
Farmers markets support local economies
Shopping at a farmers market keeps your dollars in the community. Growers who sell directly to consumers help create 13 full-time farm jobs for every $1 million in revenue. That means more support for small businesses and local families.
Farmers markets increase access to fresh food
In 2021, more than 100 million dollars in nutrition benefits were redeemed at farmers markets. Programs like CalFresh and Market Match make it possible for more families to bring home fresh produce and healthy ingredients every week. In our own Farmers Market L.I.F.E. program in 2024, we connected thousands of shoppers to fresh, local food by processing over $300,000 in CalFresh and Market Match transactions across 20 plus participating markets, directly supporting both food access for families and sales for local farmers.
These are just a few of the many reasons we’re proud to support our local markets.
Farmers markets feed us, connect us, and help our communities thrive. We hope you’ll celebrate with us this August. Visit a market, pick up a Bingo Card, share your story, and keep showing up — because every basket, every purchase, and every kind word makes a difference.