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It's probably safe to say that no one here is intentionally excluding anyone from their market or trying to make anyone feel unwelcome. Yet, we know that there are many people in our communities who do not feel comfortable shopping at farmers markets. This is an issue for ALL of us in the farmers market community, and FMF looks forward to working together with the DUFB community to address it.
Over the past few years, FMF has been working with the SNAP Client Advisory Board, where we have learned about some of the challenges that SNAP participants face when deciding whether or not to come spend their SNAP dollars at the farmers market.
Anti-racism at farmers markets
Anti-racism at farmers markets
Why does this matter to FMF?
It's in our mission!
Societal inequities - BIPOC communities experience disproportionately high levels of food insecurity, however, in our 2025 DUFB shopper survey, over 60% of program participants identified as white.
Vendor support - The program benefits vendors as well as shoppers. It's important to us that this benefit is felt equitably among Oregon's producers.
What can you do?
Watch the Anti-Racism at Farmers Markets webinar, presented by OFMA and Allinee "shiny" Flanary, and complete the accompanying workbook (required for all DUFB participants in 2024)
Check out The Anti-Racist Toolkit for Farmers Markets from FMC!
Assess the make up of your market: What is your vendor selection process like? Do your vendors reflect your community? What about your staff and volunteers?
OFMA has some great resources here as well.
Engage with BIPOC-led groups within your own community. Ask questions about what types of changes these groups would like to see at the market. Pay them for their time and expertise (E.g. Hire someone to facilitate a workshop at a board or staff meeting).
Remember that no one is perfect and there is no exact right answer. Keep trying, keep asking questions, keep engaging.
Remember this is a lifelong journey for our organizations and for us as individuals.
Creating a Positive SNAP Shopper Experience
Creating a Positive SNAP Shopper Experience
Why does this matter to FMF?
We want to break down barriers to accessing farmers markets and the DUFB program
This program is meant to support people having greater autonomy in their food decisions, and we want to make sure that participants are not being harmed through their participation
Our ultimate goal is to get more fresh food into the homes of more people, and we want the program to be inviting so that the members of our community who are at the highest risk of hunger and food insecurity will choose to participate!
What can you do?
Please watch the SNAP trauma informed customer service training. (Required for all participating markets). New training coming soon!
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