Farmers’ markets are in need of extra support this summer to keep their markets strong during the covid-19 pandemic. Across Maine, farmers’ markets provide food security to their communities. Nearly all farmers’ markets in Maine are organized and managed by farmer-vendors. Therefore, volunteers, at market and behind the scenes, provide a substantial contribution to supporting […]
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Webinar on Vendor Practices during Covid-19
May 1, 2020 Categories
Farmers’ Markets have dramatically changed their layout and rules to fall in line with the Governor’s emergency declarations and the Maine Department of Agriculture’s guidance for farmers’ markets. This webinar is an orientation for Maine farmers’ market vendors to learn what best practices they must be following. Topics covered include: Pre-ordering, booth setup, payment processing, […]
Portland Farmers’ Market seeks volunteers for covid response
April 22, 2020 Categories
In response to COVID-19, the Portland Farmers’ Market (PFM) is in need of volunteers to help ensure a safe shopping experience for all. Volunteering at the market is a critical community service that will allow scores of farmers and thousands of shoppers to keep their local market thriving. Committing to just one shift a week […]
COVID-19 Update – Guidance from State officials
March 19, 2020 Categories
On March 19, 2020, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) released a guidance for farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets are considered essential services in providing food to their communities. Markets are advised to determine on a case-by-case basis whether to remain open. Markets should stay alert for emerging guidance from the Maine CDC. Read […]
Hand-washing stations – A simple how to
March 19, 2020 CategoriesMaterials needed: Cooler (any clean vessel capable of maintaining hot water for 8-12 hours) Bungee cords or straps (1-3) Soap Paper Towels Hand-sanitizer (if available) Trash bin (a bucket works) Water bin (a bucket works) Fill the cooler with hot water. Use straps or bungee cords to secure it to your truck, or bring a […]
COVID-19 and Maine farmers’ markets
March 17, 2020 CategoriesMaine has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Even before this incident, businesses around the state have been taking extra precautions to limit the risk of spreading this highly communicable virus. Maine has the oldest population in the nation, therefore, the risk of serious harm to Maine citizens is high. Farmers’ markets should be taking […]
Free SNAP sign-up during the Maine Agricultural Trades Show & MFFM Convention
January 9, 2020 Categories
The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM) invites farmers’ market organizers and direct-marketing farmers to sign up to accept SNAP/EBT on January 16th during the Maine Agricultural Trades Show. There are more than 160,000 people in Maine who purchase food with SNAP. Farmers and farmers’ markets can grow their customer base, and provide a critical […]
Maine Federation of Farmers’ Market Annual Meeting – 1/16/2020
January 6, 2020 CategoriesMeeting Start Time: 11:30 am Location: Washington/York Room (2nd floor of Augusta Civic Center) Please join MFFM Board of Directors and market farmers throughout the state for MFFM’s 2020 annual meeting. Hear updates from MFFM Board members and staff, and take a look back at highlights from 2019. Our annual meeting coincides with the 2020 Maine Farmers’ […]
Session Descriptions – 2020 Maine Farmers’ Market Convention
December 9, 2019 CategoriesThe 2020 convention covers a breadth of topics of interest to farmers’ market members in Maine. Your market will make the most of the professional development opportunities on offer by bringing 3 or more members per market. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to cover more of the sessions, share your knowledge, and hold each […]
Partnership with DACF helps farmers’ markets process SNAP/EBT.
October 21, 2019 Categories
This year, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) partnered with the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM) to help cover the cost of purchasing SNAP processing equipment for farmers’ markets. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, helps 1 in 8 Mainers (mostly children and […]