By Sandy Anderson

Mayo Clinic Health System -Austin and Albert Lea

Communities looking to foster environments that reflect and impact the well-being of those who call it home are wise to rethink why farmers markets matter.

That’s a question local folks have been asking over the past several months and specifically through a community-wide survey.  Not only what a thriving common market in Austin might look and feel like, but why developing a common market rather than multiple markets even matters.  Here’s a glimpse at what we are learning.

Economics

More vendors working collectively together increases variety of produce, products, and possibilities of events and entertainment.

More options attract more customers.  Creating a destination, an experience for community members to mingle and purchase from vendors who are commitment to the markets well-being

More customers attract more vendors.  This is a matter of livelihood for many and so part of determining which market to be a part of comes down to potential for income for the vendor.

A thriving market is an attraction for many young professionals and families when they consider where to grow roots and can offer a connecting point for them as they integrate into the community.

Healthy options

Research supports that the presence of a strong farmers market increases the access for people of all economic backgrounds to purchase fresh produce.  The ability to use a debit card and EBT card make it even more easy to grab and go!

Welcoming community

A market has the potential to be a public space where folks from all backgrounds can connect and build relationship, where organizations can feature how they are creating healthier environments to be enjoyed by others and increasing access to healthy living. 

Underestimated often is the simple power of connection and how it impacts a community’s health.

A thriving common market has the opportunity to engage people of all ages in learning more about living well and celebrating collectively area talents whether it be food grown, baked, artisan crafts or music created purely for enjoyment!

Join in with #OurMarketMatters 

Energy is growing and momentum is increasing as community partners collaborate to support the development of a common market in Austin.  The success of the common  market is linked directly to you and I, the folks who will shop the market, venture out as a new vendor, businesses and organizations promoting it and engaging in leadership.  Want to learn more?  Visit  http://mowerrefreshed.org/creating-a-common-market/