August 3-9, 2025, is National Farmers Market Week. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, “this annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. With fun events, programs, contests, activities, and more, the week helps to boost market attendance and visibility as well as showcase the value markets bring to their communities.”

Farmers’ markets play a very important role in the United States’ food supply chain, and the celebration allows farmers to further connect with their local communities and secure funding from officials. These funds help farmers’ markets and vendors with transportation costs, manufacturing costs, and more.

Over the years, the celebration has caught the attention of organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture, which has created new USDA Regional Food Business Centers and Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure programs to provide resources and help provide food businesses and small farms with funding opportunities.

National Farmers Market Week is always celebrated during the first week of August, when produce is typically the most abundant and ripe.

Ways to celebrate National Farmers Market Week:

1. Visit a farmers market: There are over 8,600 farmers’ markets in the United States. During your visit, make sure to support farmers by purchasing produce or other items such as baked goods.
2. Take the time to learn about farming practices: By learning about farming practices, you will be able to have a better understanding of the importance of farmers in our communities. You can find information online, or you can talk to a farmer in person at a farmers market.

Farmers’ Markets located in Central Pennsylvania:

1. West Shore Farmers Market: Located in Lemoyne, PA, this farmers market has two floors, with the upper level offering various gifts, jewelry, and antiques, and the lower level offering a wide variety of food, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, and more. The lower level has over 40 vendors, and the upper level has 30 vendors.
2. Lancaster Central Market: Located in Lancaster, PA, this farmers market is the oldest continuously operated public market in America. The market has over 65 vendors, which sell a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers, coffee, and more. The market also hosts various events, such as Strawberry Festivals and Harvest Breakfasts.
3. Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market: Located in Bird-in-Hand, PA, this farmers market is family-owned and has been open for more than 30 years. The market not only offers fresh cheese, produce, baked goods, spices, and other food products, but also offers locally made crafts and souvenirs. In addition, the market also has many Pennsylvania Dutch-style food items.
4. Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square: Located in Hershey, PA, this farmers market has over 40 vendors and has two levels. The upper level features a food court, and the lower level consists of vendors selling produce, meats, flowers, and more. All vendors are locally owned small businesses. Additionally, the market is located near Hersheypark, Chocolate World, and ZooAmerica.
5. Fairgrounds Farmers Market: Located in Reading, PA, this farmers market was voted best farmers market in Berks County for 2019. The market features over 65 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheese, and more. The market is also a great place to buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Make sure to visit a farmers market this week to support your local farmers!