Seven West Virginia farmers markets are growing and expanding thanks to new funding through the West Virginia Farmers Market Association (WVFMA).
The WVFMA, a nonprofit that helps advance farmers markets in the state, awarded seven mini grants ranging from $1,365 to $5,000 to help farmers markets boost their operations, marketing and overall impact.
“These mini grants can transform our small markets, who requested everything from coolers and freezers to point of sale systems,” says Holly Morgan, executive director of the WVFMA.
“These investments in our local markets are also investments in our community, which will benefit all West Virginians.”
WVFMA mini grant recipients include:
1. Doddridge County Farmers Market: $5,000
2. Spencer Farmers Market: $4,310
3. Warwood Farmers Market: $4,050
4. New Roots Community Farm: $3,500
5. Pendleton County Farmers Market: $2,475
6. Honey Do Produce: $1,800
7. Charles Town Farmers Market: $1,365
Honey Do Produce, located in Ashton, WV, responded to the news on Facebook by posting the following status:
“We applied for a mini grant through the WVFMA, and we were one of the very lucky markets who received grant funding! We’re so grateful to receive this funding! By next spring we plan to be completely under roof, and we’ll be expanding. We’ll be using this grant money to install internet and WiFi as well as a new point of sale system. No more cell phone apps, hoping to get a signal. We also plan on adding our own farm-raised meats. We’ll be starting with pork and adding beef by spring. We’re considering adding farm-raised poultry as well. Big changes are on the way, and we hope that you’ll all join us on this journey!”
The WVFMA mini grant program is funded by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Grants will be offered again next year, with an increased dollar amount. For more information, visit http://www.wvfarmers.org/.
About
Established in 2007, the West Virginia Farmers Market Association is a statewide membership-based organization designed to strengthen farmers markets and enhance their surrounding communities. The WVFMA provides resources and technical assistance to farmers markets through its website and other communication channels. The WVFMA works with various partners across the state to provide farmers markets with relatable and relevant resources to address their needs. The organization now comprises more than 60 member markets statewide.
