Laramie's Farmers Market Introduces New Projects to Enhance Food Availability and Strengthen Community Ties
In the heart of Laramie, the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is more than just a place to buy fresh, local produce. Ana Castro, Program Coordinator at Laramie Main Street, emphasizes the importance of mutual aid, especially during uncertain times.
Two significant initiatives at the market are the Good Neighbor Program and the Friends of the Market Campaign. These programs demonstrate how small gestures can make a significant impact, according to Castro.
The Good Neighbor Program enables shoppers and local gardeners to donate fresh produce directly to neighbours experiencing food insecurity. This initiative helps boost food access and strengthens community connections by encouraging contributions of fresh, local food to families in need.
Donations to the Good Neighbor Program are made by shoppers and gardeners who bring extra fresh produce to the market, which is then redistributed to local families facing food insecurity. This program positively impacts local families by improving access to fresh, nutritious food, helping to address food insecurity in the Laramie community.
As a token of appreciation for their support, donors receive a Downtown Laramie Farmers Market tote bag.
The Friends of the Market Campaign is a grassroots donation program that supports initiatives like the 100% SNAP Match, which doubles food assistance benefits, allowing families to purchase more fresh, local produce. Although specific details about the Friends of the Market program were not found, such programs typically involve community support through donations or volunteer efforts aimed at sustaining the market and its outreach initiatives.
To learn more about these programs, visit the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market website (laramiemainstreet.org) or contact their management directly. Participating in market events or speaking with vendors and organizers can also provide deeper insight into how these programs operate and their community impact.
Community members can become a "Friend" by contributing $25 monthly during the June-September market season. Home gardeners can bring surplus crops directly to the Market tent for delivery to the Laramie Soup Kitchen.
The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market takes place every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Jackalope Lot through September. The market is managed by the Laramie Main Street Alliance. This summer, the market is introducing two new programs: the Good Neighbor Program and the Friends of the Market Campaign.
By participating in these programs, we can support our local community, strengthen connections, and ensure that everyone has access to fresh, nutritous food.
- The Good Neighbor Program at the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market allows donors to contribute extra fresh produce, which is then redistributed to local families facing food insecurity, positively impacting them by improving access to fresh, nutritious food.
- The Friends of the Market Campaign is a grassroots donation program that supports initiatives like the 100% SNAP Match, which doubles food assistance benefits, enabling families to purchase more fresh, local produce.
- Community members can become a "Friend" by contributing $25 monthly during the June-September market season, or home gardeners can bring surplus crops directly to the Market tent for delivery to the Laramie Soup Kitchen, showing support for the community and ensuring everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food.
