At the Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice, we believe that farmers markets are essential to thriving local food systems, vibrant communities, and equitable food access. Through our work, we ensure that markets, farmers, and consumers have the resources and support they need to succeed. Our approach is grounded in Access, Community, and Engagement (ACE) – the key pillars that drive our mission.

Access: Expanding Opportunities for Farmers & Shoppers

We work to remove barriers so that farmers markets are inclusive and accessible to all. Our initiatives support market managers, farmers, and consumers by:

• Providing technical assistance and helping identify financial resources to strengthen market infrastructure.
• Expanding food access through programs like SNAP/EBT, WIC & Senior FMNP, Double Up Food Bucks, ensuring that fresh, local food is available to everyone.
• Offering training to help small-scale and beginning farmers enter and sustain success in farmers markets.

Community: Strengthening Connections for Long-Term Success

Farmers markets thrive when they are deeply connected to the communities they serve. We foster collaboration by:

• Building networks among market managers, farmers, and local organizations to share best practices and resources.
• Partnering with local governments, businesses, and advocacy groups to ensure policy and funding support for markets.
• Creating relevant programs that reflect and uplift the uniqueness of the communities we serve.

Engagement: Driving Participation & Impact 

Farmers markets succeed when people feel connected to them. We help increase awareness and engagement through:

• Supporting farmers and market vendors with marketing, business development and outreach strategies.
• Organizing educational programs that make farmers markets dynamic and welcoming spaces.
• Advocating for policies that sustain and grow farmers markets, ensuring their long-term impact on local economies and food systems.

By centering Access, Community, and Engagement, the Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice is dedicated to strengthening farmers markets as hubs of economic opportunity, food justice, and community resilience. Together, we can build a more equitable and sustainable future for local food.