The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is encouraging local communities to visit their farmers markets during National Farmers Market Week. This week highlights the importance of supporting local farmers and businesses while providing fresh, local produce to consumers.
Benefits of Farmers Markets
According to the SCDA, American farmers only receive about 15.9 cents for every dollar spent at large chain stores, with the rest going toward marketing and distribution. Farmers markets help reduce these middle costs, allowing customers to enjoy lower prices while directly supporting local farms. Harrison Chapman, Farmers Market Manager for the City of Charleston, emphasized that National Farmers Market Week is about raising awareness of these benefits. “In our world, it’s National Farmers Market Week every week,” Chapman said.
Economic Impact
Officials shared that for every dollar spent at a farmers market, three dollars are returned to the local economy. This underscores the vital role farmers markets play in the financial health of the community.
Local Farmers Share Their Stories
Gruber Family CSA Farm, a longtime vendor at various Lowcountry farmers markets, has been serving the community for over 37 years. “We’ve been on our farm 77 years. Our mother and father raised us on this farm, my brother is continuing to farm. It’s our livelihood,” said Susan Gruber Kirlin of Gruber Family CSA Farm. The family relies on farmers markets as a major part of their income.
Sandra Freeman, manager of O. Freeman Farm, also expressed the importance of local connections. “A lot of people don’t know we’re out here,” Freeman said. “When they do find us, it’s like coming and meeting family again every week.”
Supporting Local Farmers
Farmers at the market rely on customer support to continue their businesses. Susan Gruber Kirlin urged, “Please come out and support us. We don’t advertise to be the cheapest, we advertise to be the best, and we’re fresh. It came from the farm.”
Farmers Market Locations and Hours
The West Ashley Farmers Market operates from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Wednesday, with hours shifting in October. Additionally, the City of Charleston hosts the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square, where residents can find a variety of local produce and goods.
National Farmers Market Week serves as a reminder of the value of supporting local farms. By visiting farmers markets, residents can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while contributing to the local economy and building stronger connections within their community.
