Celebrate Farmers Market week in Seattle

Sunday, Aug. 7 marked the start of National Farmers Market Week and the Seattle City Council has issued a proclamation in appreciation of the 17 farmers markets across the city.

Jennifer Antos is with the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance. She said the markets strengthen the region’s food system by connecting producers directly with residents, regardless of their income.

“Just last year, providing more than $1.2 million in local food, to food-insecure households in Seattle, through programs like Fresh Bucks and SNAP Market match,” Antos said.

Antos said that farmers markets have also helped incubate small businesses by letting vendors sell their goods before they open brick and mortar shops.

One of them is Lily Anaya Quintanilla, who sold pupusas and Salvadoran tamales at Seattle farmers markets for more than 15 years before recently opening her own shop on Avalon Way in West Seattle.

“We are delighted to support and continue to support beginning BIPOC producers from environmentally conscious farmers to food entrepreneurs like Lily," Antos said.

Antos said the city’s continued backing allows them to serve various neighborhoods from Lake City on down to South Park.

On any given day of the week, Seattle residents are likely to find a farmers market somewhere in the city. The West Seattle, Capitol Hill, University District, and Ballard markets are held year-round, while others such as Lake City or Columbia City are seasonal.