The Mother Road Farmers Market in Winslow has become a popular weekend destination, drawing residents from Winslow and nearby areas. Earlier this year, the market was awarded a substantial grant of $200,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with approximately $198,000 allocated to the City of Winslow, as a capacity-building award.
This generous grant will be utilized to improve and expand the market over the next three years, ultimately aiming to increase the availability of and access to fresh, local, and healthful foods for the community of Winslow and its neighboring regions.
The capacity-building award offers the Mother Road Farmers Market a unique opportunity to develop, coordinate, and expand local direct producer-to-consumer markets. This growth will increase access to locally grown agricultural products, supporting small farms, new and beginning farmers, and/or underserved producers who may face challenges in reaching their target audience.
These grant funds allowed the project to establish a full-time Farmers Market Coordinator, Laurie LaShomb, whose role will be to support current vendors, add additional food vendors (specifically targeting produce), create programs, promote the market to the community and evaluate project activities. The coordinator will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the market expansion and ongoing community engagement.
LaShomb has shown exceptional leadership skills in guiding the market towards achieving its goals. One notable development under her management is the relocation to a new, more spacious site behind the Winslow Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center in the scenic Eagle Pavilion Park. This new location offers ample room for vendors and customers, providing an abundance of parking spaces, and makes it even more convenient and accessible for visitors. Over 30 new and returning vendors registered to participate in the market, offering a diverse selection of products such as fresh produce, homemade foods, art, crafts and food trucks. The variety of vendors ensures that visitors can find something to suit their tastes and preferences, making each trip to the market a unique and enjoyable experience.
In addition to the diverse range of products, the market is committed to supporting local agriculture and food security. Vendors selling produce, fruit, and eggs will receive free vending under the USDA grant, as Winslow is situated in a food desert. A food desert is an area where a significant percentage of the community has limited access to fresh foods, typically due to a lack of grocery stores or other fresh food sources. The market’s active acceptance of SNAP benefits is a testament to its commitment to providing fresh, healthy food to all members of the community, regardless of income level. This initiative ensures that fresh, healthy food is available at affordable prices, with 100% of the funds going directly to the farmers. This not only supports the local economy but also promotes a healthier community.
The more long-term goals of the capacity-building project include increasing the amount of locally grown produce and food products available to residents by adding 10 produce vendors and establishing a consignment program. This program will allow the market to further support local growers, particularly focusing on small, new, and/or under-resourced growers who may have limited opportunities to sell their products. The project also aims to improve access to fresh, locally grown food for low-income residents, including the community’s Indigenous and Hispanic populations who may face additional barriers to accessing fresh, affordable food. Many of the vendors are also committed to sustainability, using organic, non-GMO, and pesticide-free methods to grow their produce or create their products which furthers the healthy goals of the market.
Another area the market has improved in is entertainment. The market is actively seeking sponsorships to support local entertainment on market days. For a $300 donation, sponsors will have the opportunity to contribute to the market’s performers and will be listed as official sponsors on advertising for the entire season. This sponsorship program not only allows local businesses to support the market but also fosters a festive atmosphere that draws visitors from near and far.
The Mother Road Farmers Market has become an essential community resource that provides access to fresh, healthy, and locally sourced food. The recent grant and plans for expansion, including the addition of new vendors and programs, demonstrate the market’s ongoing commitment to supporting local agriculture, fostering community connections, and promoting health and wellness. As the market continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to become an even greater asset to the Winslow community and the surrounding regions, benefiting residents, vendors, and visitors alike.
The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday. To sponsor events, call LaShomb 928-587-0098.
