How the M&M Farmers Market Impacts the Community

Outside of Jack's Fresh Market, every Saturday morning, 9-noon.

The M&M Farmers Market, operated by the Menominee County Farm & Food Exchange, is one of six Michigan farm markets to participate in a community impact study from November, 2015 to December, 2016.

(Allow us to brag a bit.)

The study was coordinated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), and supported by a Rural Business Development Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The local year-round M&M Farmers Market is held at the M&M Plaza. In May through mid-October, it is located outside of Jack’s Fresh Market. During colder weather, the market moves indoors to the Mighty Pet entrance, east of the Plaza’s clock tower.

Established in mid-2013, the market relocated to the M&M Plaza in 2016 after three years at the VFW Hall on US 41.

The M&M Farmers Market has more than two-dozen vendors who sell produce, eggs, meat, baked goods, honey, jams, coffee, pasta, bedding plants and a variety of locally-made craft items, including soaps, lotions, and fiber items. Vendors come from both side of the Menominee River.

It’s one of about 300 similar markets in the state of Michigan, according to MIFMA. That number is up from about 150 markets ten years ago.

As statewide market numbers grew, MIFMA leaders saw a need to assess the economic contributions open-air farm markets make to Michigan’s rural communities.  Thus the study was initiated.

Results show a wide range of positive economic activity for the rural communities that support and provide space for a vibrant farmers market atmosphere, say MIFMA officials.

By creating a thriving marketplace on a weekly basis, farmers markets offer community members a unique experience to gather, interact, and build relationships, according to MIFMA officials. As a community gathering place, markets can shape growth, foster economic development, and strengthen communities, the report shows.

In 2016, vendors at the M&M Farmers Market brought in an estimated $38,105 directly to their businesses, and returned three times more to the local economy than chain retailers, according to survey results.

The average distance food travels from farm to the local market is only 15 miles. Market vendors cultivate more than 252 acres of farmland, which does not include acres cultivated by area growers who do not attend the market but sell produce through other growers who do attend.

In 2016, the M&M Farmers Market accepted $1,380 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit dollars, which supported the market’s commitment to ensuring that fresh produce is available to all families in the local community.

In addition, the study indicated that 48 percent of market shoppers said they planned to shop at neighboring businesses on market days.

The M&M Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 to noon at the M&M Plaza. For more information, find the market on Facebook under M&M Farmers Market (https://www.facebook.com/MandMFarmersMarket/)

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In addition to the weekly market, Menominee County Farm & Food Exchange members coordinate the annual Menominee Old World Christmas Market, a European-style holiday market to be held Nov. 17-18 in Downtown Menominee.