DES MOINES ? Homegrown Iowa products will be showcased at the first-ever farmers? market on the Iowa Capitol Complex on Tuesday, July 19. The market will take place on E.13th Street between E. Walnut and E. Grand Avenue near the Capitol Building. It will run from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday through September 27.
?The market is a takeoff of the tradition of farmers? markets in Iowa communities, and we consider the Capitol Complex and its surrounding neighborhoods a community,? said Janet Phipps, Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. A steering committee led by staff from the Iowa Department of Administrative Services with members from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Public Health contacted Iowa producers.
?It?s great to see a market developing on Capitol Hill,? said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. ?There should be strong demand for the fresh, locally-grown produce and other products that will be for sale. More than 3,500 state employees work within walking distance of the market location, and the Capitol Complex is surrounded by some great neighborhoods that will also be able to take advantage of this new market.?
?The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) wholeheartedly supports this effort because it demonstrates our vision of ?healthy Iowans living in healthy communities? in a tangible way,? said IDPH Director Gerd Clabaugh. ?Making fruits and vegetables, especially locally-grown products, easily available is an important part of improving the health of Iowans.?
To date, a dozen vendors have pledged to participate. Vendors can sell only 100% vendor-grown and/or handmade products. Participating vendors will accept SNAP EBT benefits, as well as, Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.
