NRPA: Farmers Markets Help Cultivate Community

Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is located near their home, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

Parks and recreation facilities serve as popular spaces for local farmers markets. Ensuring easy access to these markets will result in greater attendance by community members.  Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is near their home, with nearly 60 percent indicating they are extremely or very likely to visit. Close access to farmers markets is important to all regardless of race and region.

Key Findings:

• Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is located near their home.
• Gen Z (91%) and millennials (88%) are most likely to visit a farmers market during the next 12 months if one is located close to their home (91%), followed by Gen X (87%) and baby boomers (80%).
• Parents (90%) are more likely than non-parents (83%) to visit a farmers market if one is located close to their home.
• More than one in five (22%) park and recreation agencies manage or administer farmers markets (2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review).
• Two-thirds (68%) of park and recreation agency-hosted farmers markets accept some form of supplemental nutrition benefit, such as SNAP or WIC. (Farmers Markets)
• Of the park and recreation agencies that host farmers markets, four in five partner with other organizations to make their farmers markets successful. (Farmers Markets)

“Farmers markets are popular attractions in communities across the United States,” said Melissa May, NRPA senior research manager. “These markets supply fresh produce, promote access to healthy foods and provide families with nutrition education. As trusted providers of accessible health and wellness opportunities, park and recreation professionals and their agencies are well-suited to expand local agriculture initiatives.”

To read the 2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review, click here

To read the NRPA Farmers Market Report: Parks and Recreation Connecting Communities to Healthy Foods, click here.

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.