Macon County Farmers Market: Cultivating Community Wellness
Launching in May 2024, the Macon County Farmers Market brings together the best features from farmers markets across the nation, made possible by support from the Healthy People Healthy Carolinas program with MountainWise.
Market Manager, Devon Dupuis, shares insights into the Macon County Farmers Market's vision for community wellness and growth.
In the quaint town of Franklin, nestled amidst the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, lies a vibrant hub of community spirit and wholesome living—the Macon County Farmers Market. Initiated as a collaborative effort by MountainWise, Macon County Public Health, and the Macon Food Council, this market represents a beacon of fresh, healthy food and local craftsmanship.
Its inception stems from a shared vision—to forge a stronger connection between the community and its local growers, bakers, and artisans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sustainability. However, what truly distinguishes the Macon County Farmers Market from its counterparts is its unwavering commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Since its establishment, the market has endeavored to integrate the top attributes from farmers markets across the nation, ensuring an unparalleled experience for vendors and shoppers alike.
A Market For All
Central to the market's mission is accessibility. Recognizing the paramount importance of ensuring that fresh, healthy food is accessible to all members of the community, the decision to integrate SNAP/EBT options was born. This system allows the market to foster healthier lifestyles while simultaneously bolstering vendor revenue. “Shoppers who receive SNAP benefits will have the option to use their EBT card at the Macon County Farmers Market to purchase fresh, healthy food.”
This initiative not only benefits shoppers by providing greater access to nutritious food but also empowers vendors to expand their customer base while contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Dupuis elaborates- “market vendors will also benefit, as they will have access to the additional revenue stream offered by EBT funds but will not incur any transaction fees. Thanks to a grant award, the Macon County Farmers Market will process all SNAP/EBT transactions at the Market Welcome Center and provide “Market Tokens” to the cardholders, which they can use to purchase EBT-approved products from market vendors. Vendors then simply return their collected Market Tokens to the Market Manager to receive the full value of the tokens.”
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs
The Rising Star Vendors program stands as a testament to the market's commitment to nurturing local talent. Designed to empower budding entrepreneurs aged 6-13, this initiative encourages young minds to showcase their homegrown or handmade creations, instilling a sense of pride and entrepreneurship within the community's next generation. “As a Certified Entrepreneurial Community, Macon County recognizes the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and attracting new entrepreneurs to the area. We want to do our part to make sure that our community continues to have access to fresh, healthy food for many years to come and remains a positive climate for locally-owned businesses.”
By providing a platform for young individuals to showcase their talents and entrepreneurial spirit, the market cultivates a culture of innovation and self-reliance, ensuring the continued prosperity of Franklin's local economy.
Engaging Workshops at the Cultivation Station
The Macon County Farmers Market also endeavors to cultivate a deeper understanding of food production and environmental stewardship. Their workshops ensure that visitors leave not only with fresh produce, but with a newfound appreciation for the journey from farm to table- all while providing the perfect opportunity to create fun family memories at the market. “The Cultivation Station was inspired by a desire to do more than connect people to fresh, healthy food. We also want to educate shoppers on how that food is produced, various factors that contribute to food production and nutrition.”
“The Cultivation Station will feature weekly enrichment activities such as cooking demonstrations, wildlife education, hands-on activities, farm animal education, food cultivation demonstrations, environmental education, and more.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision For Growth
By nurturing a vibrant community of local businesses and artisans, the market aims to enrich the cultural fabric of Franklin while fostering a sense of well-being among its residents. With its charming ambiance, diverse array of offerings, and commitment to sustainability, the Macon County Farmers Market is poised to become a cherished fixture in Franklin’s community for years to come.“Franklin, NC is growing by leaps and bounds, with more people moving to the area and economic growth naturally following” explains Dupuis. “But anyone who knows this quaint little town also knows that small, locally-owned businesses are an important part of what makes the area special. Franklin just wouldn’t be the same if it were filled with a bunch of chain restaurants and national department stores. As Franklin continues to expand, we hope that this newly-designed farmers market will not only support the success of our vendors, but will also help the locally-owned businesses in the surrounding historic downtown continue to thrive.”
Navigating Challenges, Nurturing Growth
While any new endeavor comes with its own set of hurdles, this market draws strength from a robust network of local and regional supporters. Embracing a spirit of adaptability and continuous learning, the market is steadfast in its commitment to becoming an integral part of Franklin's cultural identity. “We expect trial and error, learning curves, and growing pains. In the case of the new Macon County Farmers Market, we are fortunate to have the support and guidance of many local and regional partners. Thanks to this network of supporters, the only major challenge we have encountered so far is how to incorporate all of the phenomenal ideas and initiatives for this market. But it’s a challenge that we gladly accept!”
Vendor Spotlight
Katie, co-founder of 3 Barn Farm, shares her enthusiasm for joining the Macon County Farmers Market and her excitement for the upcoming season.
When asked about what drew her interest in becoming a vendor at the Macon County Farmers Market, Katie expressed her long standing passion for fostering the growth and interest in local food businesses. She remarked, "We've been excited to help facilitate the growth & interest in local food businesses for years. Strong Farmers Markets can be a huge asset for the local community & we're excited to grow alongside the Macon County Farmers Market."
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Katie shared her excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead, especially considering that 2024 marks the first year of operation for 3 Barn Farm. "We're most excited to grow our new partnership and business this upcoming season," she explained. "The Macon County Farmers Market will definitely help facilitate our growth & that's very exciting!"
With vendors like 3 Barn Farm eager to contribute to the market's success, the Macon County Farmers Market promises to be a thriving hub of local entrepreneurship and community engagement in the seasons to come.
Saturdays - Starting in May
In the heart of Franklin, the Macon County Farmers Market invites you to experience the true essence of community, wellness, and natural living. Join us on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Iotla St. downtown this May through November, as we embark on this journey of community enrichment. Together, let's cultivate a brighter, healthier future for Macon County!
Join the Movement- Become a Vendor!
As the 2024 Market Season approaches, Macon County Farmers Market is accepting applications for vendors, musicians, and enrichment activity providers to join in on the fun. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or a budding entrepreneur, there's a place for you here!
While we will be announcing some of our exciting new vendor additions very soon, we do still have vendor spaces available for the 2024 Market Season (Saturdays from 9:00AM - 2:00PM, May-November on Iotla Street in downtown Franklin).
If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Macon County Farmers Market, visit the Prospective Vendor page on our website: www.MaconCountyFarmersMarket.com and feel free to contact us with questions at MaconFarmersMarket@gmail.com
We are also currently seeking live music providers to perform on the Gazebo during market hours, enrichment activity providers to host our Cultivation Station, and kids ages 6-13 to sell products they have grown, produced, or handmade at our Rising Star Vendors booth. More information is available on our website.
- Devon Dupuis, Market Manager
