Dayton, Nevada – The Dayton Farmers Market has opened for the 2018 summer season. The market takes place every Saturday through September from 9am – 1pm at 60 Second Avenue and Highway 50. Market-goers will find seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits from local farmers. Produce available at the market is sourced from farms and food entrepreneurs in the region.
Besides the health benefits of eating more fresh foods, there are lots of other reasons to support this conveniently located farmers market.
The market provides summer work experience for teens involved in the Comstock Youth Works Program. They’re learning hands-on skills for running a successful farmers market, while developing important job skills. The interns help farmers sell their harvest at the market, freeing up the farmers important summertime hours.
Coupons from the USDA’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for low-income seniors 60 years and older are honored at the market. In addition, WIC and SNAP, as well as cash and credit cards are welcome.
Throughout the summer, market attendees are invited to take part in our Community Garden and Farmers Market Survey as well. This survey will allow us to expand our farmers market and help us to develop community gardens that allow residents to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Cortney Bloomer, Healthy Communities’ Food Security Project Manager, invites people to visit the market on Saturdays, “Come check out the market and the fantastic local produce that’s available. It’s a great way to support local farmers and shop locally with your friends and neighbors. We’re growing, and we appreciate your support.”
The Dayton Farmers Market is one spoke in Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties’ “healthy food hub”, a strategy where many groups and individuals work together regionally to improve access to and demand for locally and sustainably-grown, healthy, and affordable food.
Healthy Communities also promotes a number of other interconnected healthy food initiatives such as organic school and community gardens; community gardening classes and school gardening clubs; school salad bars with local produce; volunteer-powered food pantries in Silver Springs, Yerington, and Dayton; Community Roots & Shoots nonprofit garden center; and community cooking classes and wellness support groups that emphasize affordable, nutritious menus.
For more information, please see https://www.communityrootsnv.org/ or healthycomm.org. If you’d like to be a vendor at the Market, please call 246-7550.
