Did you know the first full week of August is designated National Farmers Market Week? While the celebration has been going on for many years and celebrated with great food, a deeper appreciation for vendors and market managers, and a contest organized by the Farmers Market Coalition, 2023 brings something even bigger!
This is the year first that this designation is recognized through a congressional resolution, co-sponsored by Senator Alex Padilla and Senator Joni Ernst, with support from Farmers Market Coalition. The resolution acknowledges the vital role farmers markets play in local food systems nationwide. Thank you to Senators Padilla and Ernst for helping to recognize the many ways farmers markets support our communities!
The different FM LIFE farmers markets in Sonoma County are celebrating all month long with a Farmers Market Bingo! Keep reading to learn how Bingo is working at each market. We also encourage you to vote for your favorite market here! There are prizes for the top market in each geographic location!
Sebastopol: The Sebastopol Certified Organic Farmers’ Market will be raffling a number of items donated by participating vendors. In order to enter the raffle, you must complete a bingo card which includes 8 actions of engagement within the market and its community. You can pick up the Bingo cards at the market manager booth at the market on Sundays.
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Santa Rosa Original Certified: The Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market (SROCFM) has devised a series of engaging initiatives to celebrate the significant role farmers play in our food system while concurrently raising funds for our market. Our strategic approach aims to foster a deeper understanding among the community regarding the vital contributions made by farmers at the market.
One of these endeavors is the creation of a Farmers Market Bingo Card. Customers can pick up bingo cards at the SROCFM markets (Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, or Russian River in Guerneville). When you get bingo, customers earn raffle tickets, offering the chance to win enticing prizes. These include a mystery farmers market basket with an array of market goodies, valued at $125, an exclusive ticket to our upcoming Fundraiser Dinner in September valued at $125, and a $50 gift card redeemable at SROCFM.
They will also be harnessing the power of social media to spread the word about the great work farmers markets do! Keep your eyes peeled for a video that showcases the impressive array of produce and goods one can obtain with just $20 at the market. Another video features community members expressing their love for SROCFM and their reasons by filling out a sign that says “I Love the SROCFM Because…”.
In another segment, they will be featuring Pegi, the market manager, in another TikTok/Reel video. She shares insights about the various programs SROCFM actively participates in, such as WIC, Senior Bucks, Cal Fresh, and Market Match, underscoring our commitment to making fresh produce accessible to all members of the community.
Facebook: facebook.com/santarosaoriginalfarmersmarket
Instagram: instagram.com/santarosafarmersmarket/