feature story
Farmers markets pivot quickly
"Most of our small farmers supply local restaurants,
schools, hotels, and all those distribution channels
came to a halt this year," says Lisette Alent, Executive
Director of the Inland Northwest Farmers Market
Association. INWFMA is a non-profit coalition of
neighborhood-based farmers markets serving the
greater Spokane area. "When COVID-19 hit we didn't
know what the market season would be or if we
would even be able to open."
Lisette and her team worked quickly with the
Washington State Farmers Market Association,
Washington Department of Health and the Governor's
office to deem farmers markets essential businesses.
However, this required strict modifications.
Washington markets could only offer products
available at grocery stores. No crafters, artisans or
food trucks. This, combined with social distancing
measures, cut vendor counts by half. Many feared
the impact on overall sales. Yet, with restrictions in
place (and new handwashing stations from Northwest
Farm Credit) Spokane area farmers markets opened
the season to an appreciative and supportive public.
Local Food Producers Adapt
to Feed Hungry Families
5 Northwest Farm Credit Services
U.S. consumer spending at restaurants and hotels is down 47.3% from January to September 2020.
School closures and furloughed venues are impacting farmers, ranchers and food service companies
across the country. Yet, the reports aren't all negative. Federal assistance from USDA has helped
lessen the burden for many Northwest producers including small, local food producers who, by
working so closely with consumers, face unique challenges and opportunities.
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