Des Moines Farmers Market

by Matthew Alberto
(Sydney, Australia)

The Des Moines Farmers Market operates in all weather conditions from May 1st until October 30th. It is located at the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines, and its hours of operation are every Saturday from 7 am until noon. The market began in 1976 with only 15 vendors and 200 shoppers, but today it has grown to about 250 vendors and around 18,000 visitors each Saturday.

The Des Moines Farmers Market helps support local agriculture by allowing visitors to buy direct from Iowa farmers. These Iowa producers originate from 51 counties across Iowa, and they offer fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, baked goods, lovely flowers, and plenty of other items. As part of its commitment to supporting Iowa growers, the Des Moines Farmers Market is partnered with the Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign. The market helps connect urban and rural communities through the marketing of Iowa growers and family farms, and the BFBL pledge demonstrates to market patrons that Des Moines Farmers Market wants to ensure the ongoing continuance of family farms around the state.