USDA official says farmers markets bring communities together in Illinois

(The Center Square) – A U.S. Department of Agriculture official is highlighting the importance of farmers markets in Illinois.

The USDA reports there are 290 certified farmers markets in Illinois, from Carbondale to Bloomington to the Chicago area.

USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt said farmers markets play a vital role in providing access to fresh, locally grown produce and other agricultural products while supporting the health and well-being of communities.

“They are playing such an essential role in our local food economy, regional food development, American agriculture, and they are a really incredible economic driver and social drivers in communities as well,” Moffitt told The Center Square.

Moffitt notes that this is National Farmers Market Week, a chance to highlight the growth and impact of farmers markets and their importance to communities.

There are dozens of farmers markets in the Chicago area that run every day of the week. The most well known is the Maxwell Street Market. It was started as an impromptu market in the late 19th century by newly arrived Jewish residents from Eastern Europe.

Moffitt said the USDA can assist Illinois communities without farmers markets to get the ball rolling.

“Whether it might be establishing a new farmers market in perhaps a small, rural community or an urban community that doesn’t have access to fresh produce,” said Moffitt.

The Illinois Farmers Market Association was founded in 2012 to connect the growing number of Illinois farmers markets, market managers, producers, and consumers and provide coordinated resources, technical services, and training to ensure the continued sustainability of Illinois farmers markets.