BY THE NUMBERS: Farmers Markets

In honor of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 5-11, we take a look at numbers associated with farmers markets.

1

The number of acres the U.S. loses to development each minute.

8.2

The ranking farmers markets earned on a scale of 1 to 10 as a trusted food source. It was the highest ranking, followed by natural food markets and locally owned grocery stores.

13

The number of full-time jobs created when growers sell locally per $1 million in revenue earned. Those not selling locally create 3 jobs.

15

The average number of social interactions farmers market shoppers have, compared to one per visit to the grocery store.

16

The percentage of farmers market vendors below the age of 35. Farmers markets allow them to start small and grow their business.

25

The percentage of farmers market vendors who derive their sole source of income from the market.

45

The percentage of produce sold at farmers markets that is organic.

60

The percentage of low-income farmers market shoppers who say the prices are better at markets than the local grocery store.

1,500

The average number of miles food eaten in the U.S. travels before arriving on your table.

1730

The year that city officials in Lancaster, Pa., dedicated a 120-square-foot lot in the center of town to be used as a public marketplace, giving it credit as the first farmers market in this country (although it was not yet the United States at that time).

2,410

The number of farmers markets listed in the USDA Farmers Market Directory in 2010.

8,675

The number of farmers markets listed in the USDA Farmers Market Directory in 2016.

165,000

The approximate number of mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches that sell through farmers markets.

$20.2 million

The amount in SNAP benefits (food stamps) that were spent at farmers markets throughout the country in 2015. That means fresh food for low-income Americans and increased revenue for local farmers.

Source:  Farmers Market Coalition