Key West Truman Waterfront Farmers Market Celebrates Farmers Market Week

August 6 - 12th, 2023 is officially Farmers Market Week presented by the National Farmers Market Coalition. According to their release:

• Farmers markets are changing the way...we eat, shop, connect, and more! Across the country, farmers markets are defining their role in our communities. Markets are not only essential to local food systems, but are increasing opportunities for us to learn, grow, and work together. Farmers markets are designed in partnership with the people they serve, and create a space where market operators, farmers, shoppers, and neighbors can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of their community.

 

• Farmers markets don’t just happen. Farmers markets are abundant sources of food, connection and resilience in our communities across the country, but they don’t just happen on their own. Behind the scenes of every successful farmers market is a dedicated person or team working to make the market thrive. These farmers market operators are experts who need community and financial support to run their markets and resources specifically designed for their needs.

 

• Farmers markets serve as community hubs. Farmers markets foster direct relationships between community members and farmers which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system. Farmers markets are a hub for connection and collective action around shared values.

 

• The culture of farmers markets is changing. The demographic of farmers markets has not always reflected their local communities and some markets have not always created a space where everyone can feel welcome. Together, there are farmers market operators and community organizers paving the way to improve equity in the farmers market space. We fundamentally believe that farmers markets are for everyone and seek to support efforts to make farmers markets safe, inviting and accessible for all.

 
In 2019 Daily Plan-it was granted a permit by the City of Key West to produce a farmer’s market at the Truman Waterfront Park subsequent to the Green Market at Bayview Park ceasing operations. In 2020 they were awarded a competitive bid and a four year contract. Since beginning operations they have successfully supported between 30 and as many as 80 small mom and pop businesses to participate each show. The Market showcases the beautiful Truman Waterfront Park and between 700 and 2200 guests attend weekly. There is ample paved parking (free for residents with stickers), bike racks and the location is on the free Duval Loop bus. Amenities include full restroom facilities, handicapped accessible paths, ideally suited for families with a playground and water feature, close to other attractions like the Eco Discovery Center and the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham, offers spectacular sunset views and is pet friendly.
 
Regular community support, especially off season, is vital to the continued success of the Truman Waterfront Farmers Market and the vendors whose livelihood depends on it. Visit every Thursday 2 pm to 7 pm at the Truman Waterfront Park located at the end of Southard Street.