MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The first week of August is National Farmers Market Week — and here in Marquette, the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is making the most of it. They’re launching two powerful community initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers, feeding families, and strengthening farmers’ markets across Michigan.
At the heart of downtown Marquette, the local farmers market is more than a place to buy produce — it’s a community gathering place. And this August, it’s also a launching pad for statewide impact.
The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market has joined forces with the Michigan Farmers Market Association for the Shared Fundraising Initiative — a campaign running all month long.
“All across the state, markets are raising money together. That money will be shared with our market and with MIFMA. MIFMA does a great job supporting other markets that aren’t as lucky as ours. They don’t have businesses that can be sponsors,” said Market Manager Brian Shier.
Half of every donation goes directly to support Marquette’s local operations and programming. The other half helps farmers’ markets across Michigan access vital training and resources through MIFMA.
“There’s a lot of money needed to put on these markets, closing streets, paying workers,” said Shier.
And that’s not the only way the market is giving back. Also debuting this month is the Harvest Fund. This new program allows shoppers to purchase an extra item or two, then donate it here at the market.
At the end of each market day, those fresh donations are delivered to the Marquette Food Co-op and distributed to area food pantries.
“So, recently, we were seeing a lot of cuts to different food assistance programs. So we were thinking, what can we do? It’s kind of our version of the local Can-A-Thon, but for the farmers market,” explained Shier.
With donations accepted every market day, the Harvest Fund will run through the season — building a stronger, more connected Marquette, one harvest at a time.
The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market invites the community to celebrate this August — supporting farmers, feeding neighbors, and investing in a healthier Michigan.
For more information on how to donate, visit the Farmers Market website at https://www.mqtfarmersmarket.com/
