In recent years, farmers’ markets have flourished as consumers look outside the corporate, industrial food system to feed their families. We have an organic garden on the White House lawn, and in backyards everywhere, small gardens are nearly ready to bear Mother Nature’s summer fruit. The warm weather is finally here, and around the country farmers’ markets are in full swing. Strawberries, corn, pole beans and apricots have arrived in most places, and soon, tomatoes and figs will also find their place on the dinner table. This summer, two different organizations are celebrating the American farmers’ market tradition and raising awareness through summer-long contests.
Love Your Farmers’ Market
Want to help win a little cash for your market? Care2, the largest online community for green and healthy living, and Local Harvest, America’s most popular website for finding food grown close to home, have joined together to raise awareness for local foods, family farms, and community farmers’ markets.
“People across the country are rediscovering the benefits of local food,” said Erin Barnett, Director of LocalHarvest.org. “Not only is the food at your farmers’ market fresher, tastier and better for the environment, it’s also good for your local economy. By supporting farmers’ markets, we support family farmers and help them stay in business.”
The market with the most votes nationwide will win $5,000 and four runners-up will each be awarded $1,750. Throughout the duration of the contest, Care2 will sponsor a weekly prize of $250 for one participating market chosen at random.
As of this writing, Flint, Michigan’s market is in the number one spot, with two North Carolina markets in the top five.
You have until September 22 to vote for your local farmers’ market. Invite your friends to join to make sure your favorite market takes home the grand prize! The top ten participants who recruit the most friends will take home $50. Keep track of your market’s progress to ensure it wins on the contest’s website.
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