Seasonal farmers markets are back! Across King County, more than 40 markets are opening their stalls and bringing together local farmers, foragers, food businesses, and others to share the bounty of our local food system. Here’s how to make the most of this abundant time of year.
Find a market
On most days of the week except Monday, you can find a farmers market. Use the WA State Farmers Market Association’s Find a Farmers Market tool online to locate a market close to you. Or stop by any market’s info booth to pick up a printed directory. Find the directory for King County and Seattle Markets here.
Desiring some newness? Visiting different farmers markets is an incredible way to experience the cultural diversity of our county; each market has a different neighborhood feel, and you may find things that you cannot find elsewhere!
Shop in season for peak flavor and freshness
Produce is harvested shortly before being brought to the markets and is unbeatable in terms of freshness. Make it a habit and you’ll discover just how easy it is to eat with the seasons: beets, carrots, arugula, asparagus, and leafy greens in spring; zucchini, summer squash, and berries as the weather warms; and by late summer, it’s time for peppers and tomatoes.
You can also find some great craft beverages and artisanal food products made with seasonal fruit and veggies. Make sure to arrive early for the best selection – popular food items and specialized produce often sell out quickly.
Pro tip from the author: if you want to try growing some of the food you find at a farmers market, consider buying plant starts! Many vendors sell them in addition to the produce they recently harvested.
Learn about and take advantage of food access programs
Farmers markets are accessible for all. The SNAP Market Match program increases the value of EBT benefits for fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps lower income older adults buy local produce, honey, and herbs from June 1 through Oct. 31. For shoppers of Seattle markets, you can also use Fresh Bucks.
To find markets offering these programs, check the Washington State Farmers Market directory online and at your market’s info booth for more information.
Feel a sense of purpose by helping build resilience
Local farmers, growers, and food businesses make up our vibrant regional food system and it’s important to support them as they continue to navigate challenges such as land access and rising operating costs.
This past December’s flooding hit King County farms hard, jeopardizing the year’s growing season. Fields were submerged, crops were lost, and infrastructure took heavy damage. The road to recovery will be long for many farmers, and these markets can be a lifeline.
Even if you cannot attend in person, you can still be a patron outside of market hours. Communicate with farmers and food businesses to shop from them directly and consider buying from their online storefronts.
Buying directly from a farmer means they can keep more of every dollar, and this money is crucial for rebuilding and recovery. This direct support creates a reliable income stream after an already difficult winter, helping to sustain small businesses, keeping rural communities intact, and ensuring that farmland stays in farming rather than being sold off after a devastating loss.
Moreover, local farms preserve open space. Keeping farmland active protects biodiversity, supports climate resilience, and helps mitigate future flooding impacts through healthy soils that absorb water better.
Turn it into an adventure or community building ritual
Farmers markets are some of the most special gathering spaces you can find. Imagine a bustling setting filled with vibrant chatter, families, delicious-smelling food, and the lushness of fresh produce and flowers. Not only do farmers market patrons experience the bounty this region has to offer, but over time you’ll see familiar faces and build meaningful relationships with your neighbors. If your schedules allow, turn your market visit into a get-together or go solo and make new friends.
As we head into summer and our lives get busier while wanting to take advantage of the improving weather, consider integrating farmers market visits into your routine. In doing so, you help strengthen our local economy. This sense of rootedness and connection to our local food system is priceless.
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