Local Markets Open for Season

For many locals, it’s hard to believe that the Kootenai Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer. What was once just a handful of local farmers has blossomed into more than 100 vendors and two of our area’s most fun summertime activities.

Started in 1986, the original market closed down Sherman Avenue one day each week, and local vendors sold fruits and veggies out of the back of their trucks. While not a sustainable plan at the time, it showed a need for a larger space and the market moved to the corner of Highway 95 and Dalton Avenue two years later, sharing a space with a local meat market for the next seven years.

As popularity grew, so did the need for more space which is why in 1994, the Saturday market found its current and unmistakable home at Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue. The painted red booths are seen as a year round reminder that even in the bitter cold of winter, fresh goods and happy days are just a short wait away. Downtown, the Wednesday evening market at 5th and Sherman is also as popular as ever both with downtown dwellers and summer visitors to our area. Only a block of Sherman Avenue is closed now, but local downtown merchants are typically happy to see the added traffic to their storefronts.

There are many factors for the growth and popularity of these markets. The selection of fresh foods has never been better. The variety also changes each summer as new vendors offer new goods, fresh milk, soaps and candles, crafts, artwork and decorations and much more. As an active city, many in our community are choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. This is evidenced not only by the popularity of the markets but by the sustained offerings of numerous local organic grocers, all natural meat markets, urban backyard farms and gardens, and menu choices at many of the Coeur d’Alene’s most popular restaurants.

Like much of America, Idaho is as well locked in a battle with obesity. In 2010, roughly 30 percent of adult Idahoans self reported themselves as obese, meaning the number is likely much higher. It’s a struggle for many as most work sedentary jobs, and more two-income households have less time to prepare home cooked meals. It’s easy to grab something on the go but more often than not that something, combined with less sleep and more stress, quickly expands our waistline.

Other segments of the population seeing a dramatic increase in obesity are children and low-income households. Most often these households cannot afford organic foods and are relegated to canned and frozen goods loaded with sodium. This summer, The Kootenai County Farmers’ Market partnered with the University of Idaho’s Extension Eat Smart Idaho program as well as the Idaho Farmers Market Association in the hopes of putting a dent in this problem by launching the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Pioneered in Michigan in 2009, the program benefits the local farming community and also gets fresh food into the hands of low-income families in the community.

“Local Farmers Markets piloting food program, the Double Up Food Bucks program, is vital to helping families bring home more healthy food, improve health through increased produce consumption, decrease future healthcare costs, gain new customers and revenue for local farmers, and keep more food dollars in our local economy,” said Michal Bennet, Kootenai County Farmers’’ Market Board Member.

The program works with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Individuals with SNAP benefit cards can go to the main booth at each of the markets. If they spend $5 on eligible fruits and vegetables, the market will match that $5, effectively doubling up their fresh food.

“This is an important step in bolstering our local agriculture, supplementing preventative wellness systems and increasing access to healthy foods across the state,” said Bennett. To date, since the Double Up Program was launched in Michigan, farmers and vendors have earned an additional $5-million in revenue and about 3-million pounds of fresh foods have gone to some of the neediest in the community.

While the program is underway, it is still in need of funding from outside sources to hit its year one goal. The markets are hoping to raise a total of $10,000 to achieve this. Grants and funding are underway but it will ultimately be the community that helps keep the program going. There is currently a Go Fund Me Campaign up and running where you can donate to this program (www.gofundme.com/KCFMdoubleupbucks). You can donate whatever amount you would like but there are also bonuses by hitting certain levels, such as T-shirts advertising mentions, and tickets to benefit dinners. All donations are tax deductable. Visitors to each of the markets can also stop by the information booth, make their donations in person, and learn more about the program. Farmers generate more in sales, and low-income families receive better access to nutritious foods. It’s a win-win for any community.

From fresh fruits and veggies, to arts and crafts, our local farmers markets are a great place to meet up with family and friends as we enjoy our beautiful North Idaho spring and summer. There is live music each time the market opens, and watch for special events like Market Happy Hour, Fall Festival and Customer Appreciation Day.

You might not be able to eat healthy 100 percent of the time, but a trip to the market can inspire you to reach for something a little healthier and skip the drive-thru line. Local vendors are knowledgeable about their products and can offer recipes, cooking tips and fun ways to get your kids to eat their veggies. These vendors are locals in our community and by supporting them and purchasing local you are helping our local economy continue to grow. Fresh foods taste better, are better for you and it’s fun meeting the person who grew and picked the crop you are bringing home for your family to enjoy. Be sure to find a Wednesday evening or Saturday morning this summer to stroll these fun-filled markets and enjoy the summer harvest.

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