Community

Ohio Valley Farmers’ Market celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Ohio Valley Farmers' Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers' Market Week from Aug. 5-11.

There are two market locations to join the celebration: Thursday at the Ohio Valley Mall parking lot in St. Clairsville from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday at 32nd Street in Bellaire from 9 a.m. to noon.

As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America's farmers to market fresh food directly to consumers. According to statistics recently released by U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers' markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products. This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches.

"Farmers' markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers, but in forming a healthy, prosperous food system," said Jen Cheek, executive director of the Farmers Market Coalition. "By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture and sharing recipes and new foods with their neighbors. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier."