Spring crops and farmers markets bloom

Spring crops and farmers markets bloom

As the chill of winter slowly gives way to the warmth of spring, Berks County’s farmers markets are reawakening, bringing with them a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce. Among these, the West Reading Farmers Market stands out, marking its 19th season as a cornerstone of the local community. Located on the 500 block of Penn Avenue as well as around the corner on South Sixth Avenue in West Reading, this producer-only market operates every Sunday fr…

Loveland’s West Farmers Market opens for the season

Farmers market season is beginning again in Loveland, and the parking lot of JAX Loveland West was bustling Tuesday with booths and visitors. The Loveland West Farmers Market at JAX opened for the first time of the year Tuesday, and will continue every Tuesday through October at 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd., with vendors offering produce, as well as other products ranging from books to burritos. Sally Barley was driving by with her granddaughter, Fr…

SNAP spending at farmers’ markets grew 431% over a decade and held steady post-pandemic - Investigate Midwest

Once seen as niche, farmers’ markets are increasingly becoming vital for food access for low-income communities, with food stamp sales holding steady after a post-pandemic surge and amid policy changes. Nationally, spending at farmers’ markets using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, rose from $13.3 million in 2013 to $70.6 million – a 431% increase – in 2023, the most recent data available. That gro…