Did you know that America has more farmers markets than Walmarts?! That’s great news for both public health and the health of local economies! 

Eighty percent of Americans visit a farmers market annually, according to a new study released by the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development entitled “U.S. farmers market attendance and experiences.”

Shopping from local farmers is good for our health–and great for the local economy. 

“Our national survey about farmers market attendance found that not only do farmers markets support local farmers creating a stronger, more resilient economy, and people who attend farmers markets often visit nearby restaurants and retail stores when they come to the market,” says Bret Shaw, co-author of the study and Professor with the Department of Life Sciences Communication and the Division of Extension at UW-Madison. “This study reinforces the value of these markets, not only for providing access to fresh, local products, but also for supporting farmers and increasing traffic at local businesses in adjacent areas.”

On the economic side, farmers markets boost local shopping beyond the market. Forty-nine percent of market customers will shop at nearby businesses, while 42% will eat at nearby restaurants. 

Markets also help facilitate the complicated government SNAP program (food stamps), making it easier for farmers to accept SNAP benefits from customers through market managers. In 2020, $33 million in SNAP benefits was redeemed at farmers markets. 

Vendors and farmers also report earning higher profit margins by selling directly to customers through markets.   

When it comes to health, 75% of farmers market attendees report eating healthier because of the market. In a culture where 75% of Americans face chronic diseases due to their diets, the importance of attending a market can’t be understated. 

For a deeper examination on the importance of farmers markets, you can find the full study here.