Some Iowa Farmers’ Markets Thrive While Others Barely Survive in 2022

A staple of not only Iowa, but the entire Midwest is the amazing Famers' Markets that take place. While many markets in the Quad Cities are seeing great turnouts, Eastern Iowa Is dealing with the issue of low numbers and attendance.

Some numbers and reports are in, and some markets have full-on shut down.

On a brighter note, the Davenport Farmers' Market saw great numbers when it kicked off this year with attendance staying solid and those who attended saying it looked pact! Sadly that's not the case for places like Cedar Rapids Iowa.

The Numbers

KCRG reported about the potential changes the Noelridge Farmers' Market might face after a low turnout. They reported only two vendors and fewer than ten customers in the first hour.

They also reported The Mount Vernon market did not return for 2022 which was sad news for many who enjoyed the market in that area. They went on to report other closings,

The Iowa City market will no longer be held on Wednesdays; going forward it will just be Saturdays. The market at Noelridge Park went from three days a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—to just Wednesday.

It looks like other markets are looking for new ways to help customers or draw them in. Illinois Farmers' Market is now accepting SNAP.

Those that use the Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now get extra fruit and vegetables at the QC Farmers' Market in Rock Island this summer. This will be the first area farmers' market that will accept SNAP payments too.

You can learn more here.

What do you think the future of Farmers' Markets will look like in the Midwest?