Preparing for the 2023 Downtown Farmers’ Market Season

In less than a week, the 2023 Downtown Farmers’ Market Season gets underway. Join farmers, jewelers, clothing designers, bakers and more on Saturday, May 6 for the first Market of the season taking place from 7 a.m. until Noon.

From produce to wine to fresh flowers, the opportunity to shop locally in the Historic Court District of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is too good to pass up. This year, The Market will offer programs with the goal of improving The Market success of its vendors, as well as the experience of its attendees, including the Spark DSM Business Incubator Program, the EBT/SNAP program and The Market’s volunteer opportunities.

Spark DSM Business Incubator

Created to support underrepresented small and/or startup businesses at The Market, the Spark DSM Business Incubator sponsored by Principal Financial Group and EMC Insurance Companies is a new program to raise visibility within the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community at an event that averages 25,000 visitors each week. This year, program participants will attend many major downtown events along with The Market, including World Food & Music Festival and Out to Lunch. If you’re a business owner interested in becoming involved, find more information on The Market website, or if you’re looking to support those in the program, check out these vendors during Saturday’s Market.

Learn about even more ways to get involved as a Greater Des Moines (DSM) business through Interise’s business accelerator, Scale DSM, sponsored by Wells Fargo.

EBT/SNAP Program

Accessing fresh, locally grown food at The Market is easy with the EBT/SNAP Program. Purchases made at The Market can make a big impact on families and farmers, keeping healthy options within reach and local dollars within the DSM/Iowa community. Find out which vendors are participating at the Market Info Booth on Third Street and Court Avenue. Use your EBT card at the Info Booth to redeem for EBT tokens that can be used at any vendor booth with eligible products. Double Up Food Bucks will match EBT tokens up to $10 and can be spent on all fresh fruits and vegetables and plants that grow food.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in becoming part of one of summer’s most popular events? Sign up to help with setup (5:15 -7:30 a.m.), teardown (11:45 – 1:30 p.m.), first shift (7:30 – 10 a.m.) or second shift (9:45 a.m. – Noon) on Saturdays throughout the summer and fall or volunteer with Meals From The Market, sponsored by First Interstate Bank, through collecting produce and donations and building awareness around the program. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and will receive a free Market t-shirt.

Find even more ways to volunteer and give back this month in celebration of 515 Day on Monday, May 15 as well!

Questions about this year’s Market? Contact me at mrenkel@downtownDSMUSA.com. And don’t forget to follow The Market on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring nearly 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.