Find Your Local Farmers’ Market
Each of us is a cultivator with the ability to make our town thrive, and one of our most powerful roots is in our farmers market. Whether it’s a pickup loaded with corn or tents full of jams and jewelry, our market only grows if we go. And when it grows, so does our economy, our companionship and our community.
Benefits of Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets Grow Family Farms
From home grown pork to fresh June strawberries, independent family farms produce food you just cannot find in a grocery store. Whether it is their main or supplemental income, farmers’ markets provide space for farmers to sell their Nebraska products and keep farming.
Farmers Markets Grow the Local Economy
Vendors at farmers’ markets live, raise their families and work in the area. Each dollar spent at local independent businesses returns three times more money to the community than a chain store. Farmers’ markets support employment, entrepreneurship, and improve quality of life.
Farmers Markets Grow the Local Community
Farmers markets are a lot more than buying and selling produce, foods, and crafts. It is a time to catch up with neighbors, friends, and your favorite vendors. It is a space to enjoy live music, have a cool beverage under a shade tree, and let your kids dance and play with friends.
Are you a Farmers Market Manager?
Unlock the secrets to running a successful farmers market with our comprehensive handbook covering essential tools and strategies to enhance your market's operation and community impact.
Producer Stories
Little Town Gardens / Kearney Area Farmers’ Market
When you shop at a farmers’ market you support local growers like Candi and David Benge of Little Town Gardens. Candi and David grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and mushrooms using regenerative farming practices like no-tillage, and aquaponics on their farm in Gibbon. Their goal is to produce the cleanest, freshest, tastiest produce possible by stewarding healthy soil.
Little Town Gardens gets their produce to the people by vending at the Kearney Area Farmers’ Market every Wednesday and Saturday during the growing season.
When you shop at a local farmers’ market you can feel proud that the money you spend stays in the local community and drives small businesses. Plus, the food you buy at a farmers’ market is fresher and tastier because it’s local and picked at peak ripeness. A win-win for everyone!
The Hoagland Homestead / Hastings Downtown Farmers' Market
A beautiful array of garden produce, homemade jams & jellies, and honey is what you’ll find in the market booth of the Hoagland Homestead at the Hastings Farmers’ Market. 3 generations of family grow, process and sell farm goods. The Hoagland kids are learning how to grow their own food alongside their parents and grandparents.
At farmers’ markets across Nebraska you’ll meet other vendors who share a passion for growing food and making delicious creations just like the Hoagland Homestead. Make a trip to the market and find unique to Nebraska goods- from grass fed bison to Nebraska wildflower honey, the world’s best apricot kolache to seasonal produce like asparagus, sweet corn, and apples. Find these local treasures at your farmers’ market!
Food4Hope / Beatrice Farmers’ Market
Food4Hope brings clean, organically grown, nutrient-dense, high quality food and homemade products to the people of Beatrice. These farmers believe everyone deserves good food and a good life- that is why they donate their products to those who need them and provide training and life skills.
The Beatrice farmers’ market gives Food4Hope a platform to get their products and philosophy into the hands of people. The market booth also helps Food4Hope crew members gain experience in retail sales and customer service. Food4Hope exists because of their commitment to making positive impacts in their community and vending at the farmers’ market is part of that impact.
Head to the Beatrice farmers’ market to find garden fresh produce, home baked breads, meats, eggs, honey, and hand crafted locally made products.
12 Reasons to Shop at Farmers Markets
Find foods not available in a grocery store.
Take home a truly tasty tomato!
Enjoy really fresh sweet corn.
Purchase a plant you know will do well in your climate because a farmer near you grew it!
Meet with a Master Gardener.
Make memorable meals.
Have fun with your family and friends.
Get really fresh foods that didn't travel long distances to reach you.
Buy a beautiful bouquet of locally grown flowers.
Get to know your farmer.
Support your local economy.
Farmers' markets are full of surprises!
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Some farmers' markets and vendors accept SNAP benefits, making it easy to use your EBT card for local food!
Find Participating SNAP Locations
Double Up Food Bucks
Each day, a SNAP customer can earn an additional $20 of Double Up Food Bucks to purchase fresh local produce when they spend $20 at a participating retailer.
Learn More & Find Participating Locations
Women, Infant's, & Children (WIC)
Women, Infant's, & Children (WIC) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides additional support for WIC participants to purchase local, fresh produce.
Find a Sarpy or Douglas County WIC Location
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Qualifying seniors can receive coupons to purchase fresh local produce and honey at farmers' markets.
Learn More & Find a Participating SFMNP Locations
Project Partners
This project is funded by a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant. We are thankful to have a great team of project partners that are working together to strengthen rural farmers market in the state.
