Area farmers' markets gearing up ahead of spring openings
Shaizee Lor sells vegetables grown by her family at Lor Garden Farm at the Kootenai County Farmers' Market.
Area farmers’ markets are already gearing up to welcome back vendors and their customers ahead of the markets' reopening in May.
Beginning as a group of 25 vendors in 1986, the Kootenai County Farmers Market Association has grown to over 100 vendors and “has been providing our community with the freshest produce available and an ever-changing array of local products—from cheese to chairs, artisan bread to pickles,” the KCFMA’s website reads.
There are two weekly markets held in Kootenai County. The Saturday market runs May through October, rain or shine, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue in Hayden; the Wednesday market, running May from September, goes from 4-7 p.m. on Main Street in the Riverstone District in Coeur d’Alene.
Both markets accept EBT and Food Stamps as a method of purchase for fruits and vegetables.
“This is a great opportunity to try new vegetables, buy wholesome, locally grown products or get started on a garden of your own,” reads KCFMA’s website.
Using an EBT card also qualifies shoppers for an extra $10 in special tokens to use exclusively towards purchasing fruits and vegetables through a program called Double Up Bucks.
“The program goal is to increase access to fresh, locally grown food to those in need,” according to the website.
Even in the off season, KCFMA is committed to providing accessible goods to the community — the last Cabin Fever market, featuring over 60 vendors, is set for March 29 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To the north, Farmers’ Market at Sandpoint has brought fresh produce, local crafts, and other goods to Bonner County since 1988.
“The Farmers' Market at Sandpoint puts considerable emphasis on local farmers, growers, bakers, makers, and artists,” reads the Market’s website. “All of the vendors at our market come from within a 100-mile radius of our location.”
Like the Kootenai County Farmers’ Markets, SNAP benefits are accepted for fresh produce at Sandpoint’s Market. Double Up Bucks are also accessible with the use of an EBT card.
This year, the first market of the season is slated for May 3rd, and the season will conclude with HarvestFest on Oct. 18.
The Markets are held at Farmin Park, rain or shine, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Looking to sell produce or goods this year? It’s not too late to become a vendor — the application portal for new vendors is open until June 1 at sandpointfarmersmarket.com/applicationportal.
Info: kootenaifarmersmarkets.org, sandpointfarmersmarkets.com
