WC Farmers Market Featured on Maine Calling

The Woodford’s Corner Farmers Market was featured on Maine Calling, a Maine Public Radio show, in an episode titled, “The economic and cultural role of Maine’s farmers’ markets.”

On the show, panelists discussed many components of farmers markets in Maine, including programs that make farmers markets more accessible. One such initiative is Maine Harvest Bucks, a program for people using SNAP/EBT. For every $2 of SNAP/EBT spent, shoppers get an additional $1 to spend on fresh produce and seedlings. Accepted at the WC Farmers Market, harvest bucks make it easier for people to buy local, healthy food.

Market manager Martha Lefebvre called in to discuss the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market and its origins. With the idea for the market coming from the community, the goals of the market include promoting community engagement, creating a welcoming neighborhood, and supporting hyperlocal economic vitality. The market is one piece of many in the vision of Woodfords Corner as a thriving community hub.

Martha also talked about one of the challenges of starting a new market - managing a huge influx of potential vendors and farmers. Her main advice: Listen to the farmers and vendors, they know their businesses and understand markets better than anyone!