Oregon's Governor Declares This Week Oregon Farmers Market Week

Salem-News.com recently reported that Oregon's Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed this week (August 2nd through August 9th) to be Oregon Farmers' Market Week. With more than 100 farmers markets operating in Oregon and 90 markets belonging to the Oregon Farmers' Markets Association (OFMA), this new proclamation from the Governor's Office further emphasizes the Beaver State's growing trend toward sustainable living.

According to Salem-News.com, over the past 10 years the number of Oregon farmers markets has more than doubled. This success is due to the support and resources of OFMA. Farmers markets in Oregon provide income for more than 1,000 local family-owned farms and supply fresh produce to more than 100,000 customers each week during peak market season. Farmers markets in Oregon also help support low-income families through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Senior Farm Direct Coupons. They also give customers the opportunity to learn about locally grown, fresh food.

With the help of the Health Hunger Nutrition Initiative from the Governor's Office and the Department of Human Services, more than half of Oregon's farmers' markets participate in the Oregon Trail Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) program. This includes several new markets founded in 2009. According to an article by Salem-News.com, the Oregon Farmers' Market Association's (OFMA) mission is to sustain and promote Oregon farmers' markets while building community support and economic stability for Oregon's family farms, small food producers, processors and artisans. To read the full article or to watch a video of the news coverage of the Governor's declaration, please click here.

The Villebois Sunday Market in Wilsonville, Oregon's award-winning Villebois community was founded in 2009 and offers a variety of fresh food and Northwest-grown goods for neighbors to sample and purchase. From fresh vegetables and herbs to homemade crafts and tasty treats like kettle korn, barbeque and gelato, Wilsonville's farmers market is a great place for local residents to shop for everything from groceries to gifts. Click here to watch a video featuring the Villebois Sunday Market. To see a full list of market vendors, visit www.VilleboisSundayMarket.com.

THIS WEEKEND AT THE VILLEBOIS SUNDAY MARKET!

Goldenwood Farm, which sells goat milk soap at the Villebois Sunday Market, recently celebrated the birth of two goats! Come to the market this Sunday, August 9th, to meet them yourself!

For more information about the Villebois Sunday Market, including driving directions and details about volunteering or participating in the farmers market, visit www.VilleboisSundayMarket.com. Or call 866.580.2836 or email Blog@CostaPacific.com for additional information.