EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
Farmers markets across the country provided a place for people to shop outdoors and support local businesses during the pandemic. The new vendors that opened during the pandemic and the people they attracted are sticking with farmers markets, and it’s shaping up to be a strong year. Some shoppers shy away from farmers market vendors because prices are typically higher than at grocery stores due to the labor and small scale involved, even though most farmers markets accept food assistance vouchers. But the inflation of the past two years has brought about a shift. Small vendors ranging from farm stands to dog treat makers say the markets offer them access to customers and a connection to the community.
