 Contributed photo
Kate Brauner, manager of the Hoodland Farmers Market, noted
that fundraising accounts for approximately 90 percent of what the market needs
to function throughout the summer months.
“Community support is critical in making the market move and
function,” she said, adding that grants make up the next largest portion of
operating funds.
The market is currently raising funds through
https://www.gofundme.com, search for “Hoodland Farmers Market.”
Brauner said there will be some new additions to the market,
which will start on Saturday, May 27 this year, including a toilet that is ADA
accessible and participation in the “Double Up Food Bucks Oregon” program
(matching money spent at farmers markets through the Farmers Market Fund).
She also hopes to have a fund to help pay for the musicians
who will play at the market and to use money for better signage to draw more
from the seasonal traffic.
The market is also looking to add volunteers, including
looking for someone with accounting experience to be the treasurer on the
market’s board of directors, another opening for a volunteer to run the kids
booth and anyone who has experience with fundraising and marketing.
Brauner noted that this year, the market has opened up the
opportunity for business sponsorships, with three different tiers of
involvement.
“If local businesses want to support the market and local
farmers, becoming a sponsor would be extremely helpful,” she said, noting that
more information is available on the market’s website,
https://www.hoodlandfarmersmarket.org/, under “Get Involved.”
The market will be back on the same day of the week
(Saturday) and in the same location (at the Church on the Mountain) as last
year. Brauner noted that the market will run two weeks longer into October this
year, as the weather proved hospitable to an extended season.
Interested vendors and musicians can also find more
information on participating this year, and Brauner added that she is
particularly interested adding hot food vendors.
“It’s a delicate balance (to) keep the right blend of food
and other items,” she said.
Brauner also noted two other additions to the market, as two
different regular farmers had children recently.
“When you support the market, you support small family
farmers,” she said.
For more information, find the market on Facebook and
Instagram, and anyone interested in volunteering can email
hoodlandfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
By Garth Guibord/MT
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