Governor Inslee’s Proclamation of Washington Farmers Market Week

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WHEREAS, farmers markets are essential businesses that are committed to providing safe shopping experiences so that families may access healthy, local foods, and agricultural products directly from Washington farmers and independent food businesses; and

WHEREAS, Washington has some 160 outdoor farmers markets in over 90 cities and towns around the state, that attract over 4.2 million shoppers annually, and each craete a beloved place of community connection in a time of physical distancing; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets report over $58.7 million in annual sales, transforming downtown streets, neighborhood parks and parking lots into weekly retail marketplaces where farmers can sell their products directly to consumers; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets incubate new farm businesses and young farmers with small budgets to hone their entrepreneurial skills, develop their products, grow a loyal shopper base, and build experience in order to be successful; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets support farm families, small businesses, rural jobs, artisans, and prepared food businesses, and preserve farmland and open space adding to our quality of life; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets ensure healthy food is accessible to everyone, especially people receiving nutrition assistance benefits such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as well as providing SNAP Market Match programs; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets are managed by dedicated community leaders who are driven by shared values to support local farmers, feed their neighbors, and create a healthy Washington; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets contribute to the economic and social vitality of their communities, creating a positive social experience and educating shoppers about their food and where it comes from;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim August 2-8, 2020 as Farmers Market Week in Washington, and I urge all people in our state to join me in safely shopping at and enjoying the healthful benefits of our state’s farmers markets.