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COLUMBUS – In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, August 2-8, 2026, The College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Science’s Direct Food and Agricultural Marketing Program is collaborating with the Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN) and its partners to highlight the essential role farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, improving food access, and strengthening community ties. This year, in honor of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago and the ongoing America 250 initiative, we will celebrate Ohio’s farmers and farmers markets with “250 Ways to Love, Support and Participate in Ohio’s Farmers Markets.”
There are several ways you can join the celebration. OFMN invites all Ohio students ages 5-18 to participate in the inaugural National Farmers Market Week Design Contest. The winning design will be revealed during the National Farmers Market Week celebration on Wednesday, July 29 in Columbus in conjunction with the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Farmers Market. For more information about the design contest, please visit OFMN’s America 250 webpage.
In addition, guests are invited to share the reasons they love their farmers market, participate in Farmers Market Bingo, and the “$40 For Farmers Challenge”. Introduced in 2025, the Challenge is a statewide initiative encouraging consumers to spend at least $40 of their weekly food budget at a local farmers market. This simple act supports Ohio farmers, boosts local economies, and helps families access fresh, nutritious food.
“As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we honor agriculture as the very cornerstone of our nation's history, food security, and economic independence. Farmers markets are modern community creators and business incubators that help local growers remain viable, which in turn preserves Ohio’s vital farmlands. They also grow urban agricultural enterprises, help Ohioans access fresh, local foods, and bring people together in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Christie Welch, Direct Food and Agricultural Marketing Specialist at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. “A strong network of local farms and markets isn’t just good for business—it fosters connections between farmers and consumers.”
Together with Ohio Farmers Market Network we will continue to collaborate in support of farmers and farmers markets, providing opportunities for our local food farmers to connect with Ohioans. Celebrate National Farmers Market Week by visiting your local market, taking the $40 For Farmers Challenge, and supporting the farmers and food producers who keep Ohio communities thriving.
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