It’s a common myth that farmers markets happen automatically. As one walks the stalls filled with locally grown produce, expertly crafted food and skillful artisan goods, it’s easy to forget that your bright, relaxing Saturday morning at the market is the direct result of the investment of so many in our community.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market centers the welfare of its community at the heart of its mission. To create a thriving marketplace that functions as a viable sales venue for its vendors and to meet the needs of the ever-evolving Sequim community, the market requires support.
Throughout the 2022 season, the success of Sequim’s market is due in large part to the generous contributions of its like-minded community partners. Local businesses who prioritize sustainable agriculture, arts and entrepreneurship have pitched in to ensure the continuation of the market you’ve come to rely on.
Photo by Aaron Brown/Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market is open through the end of October.
SFAM board president Rachel Anderson expresses her gratitude for the market’s partners.
“Our partners make our market a better place because they allow us to address community needs that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to,” she says.
Nutrition programs
The market’s Community Nutrition Programs, made possible through the continued support of Sound Community Bank, enables the market to distribute additional funds to SNAP and P-EBT recipients, effectively doubling their food budgets when spent at the market.
Participants in the WIC and Low-Income Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program are not only able to spend their vouchers directly at the market but receive an additional incentive to be put towards homegrown and handcrafted food.
Individuals and families can support local Clallam County farmers while ensuring that their money remains in their community and stimulates economic growth.
“Sound Community Bank is a vital component to ensuring our SNAP recipients, and other food assistance shoppers, have access to fresh and nutritional produce,” Anderson says.
For all ages
Kids Day, which falls on the first Saturday of every month, allows children who stop by the Kids Day booth to receive $3 to spend on fruits and vegetables at the market. They earn their monthly berry money by participating in a variety of activities that directly connect youth to experiences with healthy eating and connection with local farmers.
The contributions of Nutritious Movement and Stone Tree Farms directly empower Sequim’s next generation to become involved in their food choices.
Senior Appreciation Day falls on the last Saturday of every month, during which the first fifty seniors who stop by the Market Information Booth receive $2 to spend anywhere at the market.
SFAM’s Senior Appreciation Day is also made possible by the support of Nutritious Movement.
It’s in the bags
In collaboration with long-time market partner, BrokersGroup Real Estate Professionals, the market is able to operate a weekly Reusable Bag Program, where the first 25 shoppers who present their reusable bag to the Market Information Booth receive $2 to shop with any vendor at the market.
Photo by Aaron Brown/Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market / Visitors to the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market check out the offerings at the Tampopo Farm booth.
This program is offered every Saturday. Market staff reports the vouchers being distributed by 9:45 some market mornings, further affirming that BrokersGroup is effectively instilling positive habits of waste reduction at the market.
“We’ve been able to hear positive feedback about how great our market is in the eyes of our customers and visitors,” says Anderson. “Our market would not be as great as it is without this season’s partners. Their collaboration with the market actively shows how much they care about our community.”
The Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. through October. Visit your community market at Sequim Civic Center Plaza at North Sequim Avenue and West Cedar Street.
Want more market updates? Be sure to tune in every Thursday at 4 p.m. to KSQM 91.5 FM for the live radio “Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market Hour.”
Emma Jane Garcia is the director of the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.
Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market
Open: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 30
Location: Sequim Civic Center Plaza and Centennial Place, downtown Sequim
More info: manager@sequimmarket.com
On the web: sequimmarket.com
2022 Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market Community Partners
AirFlo Heating and Cooling
Alderwood Bistro
Anderson Homes
Brody Broker Team
BrokersGroup
Castell Insurance
Clear Creek RV Center
Dungeness Kids Co.
Evergreen Home Loans
First Federal
Frank’s Tractors
Hurricane Ridge Veterinary Hospital
InGraphic Detail
Jardin du Soleil
Jason Stanek American Family Insurance
KSQM 91.5 FM
LiteHouse Shelters
Lodge Chiropractic & Integrated Wellness
Nourish
Nutritious Movement
The Oak Table Cafe
Office Depot
Peninsula Taproom
Rainshadow Café
SeaGreen Plumbing
The Sequim Gazette
7 Cedars
Sound Community Bank
Stone Tree Farms
Story Crane Productions
Tedesco’s Italian Fresh
The Warehouse Furniture & Mattress Company
