Amanda Milholland is our guest on this episode.

Amanda is the Market Manager/Director of the Jefferson County Farmers Markets.  Jefferson County has two farmers markets one in Port Townsend and one in Chimacum.

The Port Townsend farmer market is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Amanda shares with us that some of the vendors have been at the market for 30 years. Talk about longevity. We find out some of the ways the Port Townsend Farmers Market has grown over the course of the past 30 years.  Currently the hours of operation for the Port Townsend market are  Saturdays APRIL 2-DECEMBER 17, 9AM TO 2PM. The market is located at 650 Tyler Street, from Tyler and Lawrence Streets to Tyler and Clay Streets.

The Chimacum Farmers Market was first started in 2008. Currently the market is in operation   Sundays, June-October from 10 am to 2 pm. The market is located within walking distance of the actual farms of some of the vendors. You will be so close to the source of your food you can walk to the farm from the market!  The market is located at 9122 Rhody Drive, Chimacum WA. This is the only four way stop in Chimacum so it is super easy to find.

During our conversation we chat about the distinct personalities of the two markets and how they both serve their communities.  Amanda explains how the markets provide services to help their neighbors in need by accepting EBT, WIC and providing matching funds to help make the funds go farther.

We learn about the BIPOC Start-Up Business Fund. The fund is intended to help reduce some of the barriers that may  impact the inclusion of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in their markets. Through the fund, JCFM provides small grants to new BIPOC-owned farmers market businesses to support them during their first market season in acquiring some of the materials and permits needed for market participation.

We hope you enjoy this conversation about Farmers Markets and how they contribute to the fabric of the local community.  Amanda was a wonderful guest and we learned a lot from her. You will find other farmers market episode coming soon.  If you have a recommendation of a farmers market we should interview please let us know.

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