GROW with Local Farmers Markets

It’s that time of year again…May marks the official start to farmer’s market season! Visiting a local farmer’s market is a great way to follow a part of the GROW method. By purchasing goods at a market, you are supporting your local farmers. You can find homemade items like preserves and baked goods as well as produce. The produce ranges from apples to kale to peppers and much more, all fresh and grown locally!

There are several markets in the Des Moines area for you to choose from, and they are held at a variety of times. The Downtown market is held every Saturday morning from 7a.m. until noon. Plus, if you ride your bike to the market you can park in the Free Valet Bike Parking at Second and Court. Another popular market is the Valley Junction Farmer’s Market, held every Thursday (May 2-Oct. 3, excluding July 4) from 4 to 8 p.m. Live music plays in the Junction from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Drake Neighborhood holds their market every Wednesday, June through September from 4 to 7 p.m. It is held at 25^th and University, in the parking lot of First Christian Church. A complete list of area farmer’s markets can be found here. Are you big on social media? On Foursquare, we have a great map of Des Moines Area Farmers Markets here.

As the season progresses, the Iowa Oxfam Action Corps will be making volunteer opportunities at farmer’s markets available. As these opportunities become available, we will let you know by posting on our Facebook page and by email. Feel free to contact us at iowa@oxfamactioncorps.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. We’d love to see you!

Happy Farmer’s Market Season!

-Kelly