Little Rock Farmers’ Market
Starting at 7:00am this Saturday, July 8th!
Filled with farmers selling farm-fresh produce straight to consumers from the backs of their trucks from early morning until mid-afternoon every May through September, patrons can find bargains on Arkansas crops, as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts and crafts. Among the fresh produce you’ll find: peaches, eggplant, strawberries, watermelon, beans, peas, corn, herbs, plants, greens, tomatoes, plums, berries, beets, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, squash, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, lettuce, onions, spinach, and radishes. Worried you won’t have enough recipes? Follow us on Facebook, where we share recipes, tips and other important Market information such as vendor profiles and the latest and greatest on your favorite produce as it comes into season. The Farmers’ Market makes its home in the River Market’s two outdoor, open-air pavilions overlooking Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River located at 400 President Clinton Avenue.
Saturdays begin May 6th and operate 7am – 3pm through September 30. Concerned about the River Market being crowded on Saturdays? No need to worry! Parking in our back lot behind the Market Hall, for Farmers’ Market shoppers, is ALWAYS free on Saturdays. Parking in the River Market Parking Deck? Ask a Market Manager for one of our complimentary Farmers Market parking passes. There will be additional parking along the Amphitheater fence for handicapped and elderly patrons. Market Managers will wear red Farmers’ Market polo shirts with “Manager” printed on the back in large, white lettering.
New this year, the Farmers’ Market has taken its desire to provide patrons with healthy, locally–grown fruits and veggies one step further. This year the LRFM will accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance – formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). Out of the 259 farmers’ markets in Arkansas, the LRFM will become one of the 31 markets in the state to accept SNAP. And thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant, the LRFM will be able to offer this benefit at no cost to Farmer participants in 2015. Along with increasing consumption of locally grown food and the amount of customers each farmer and market receives, accepting SNAP will help recipients gain increased access to healthier foods. In July 2013, the USDA reported that Pulaski County has more than 36-thousand households receiving SNAP, with 55% having children under the age of 18. “We’re very excited about accepting SNAP at this year’s LRFM and what this means for improving our community’s access to fresh, healthy food,” Diana Long, director of River Market operations said. The LRFM will have a Farmers’ Market Booth where SNAP participants can purchase SNAP Tokens specific to the LRFM to be used at participating farmer booths. Participating booths will have signage stating what products can be purchased.