More than just a place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers markets are vibrant community gatherings where local farmers, artisans and marketgoers come together to celebrate the bounty of the season. The Central Oregon market season kicks off in late April and runs through October and includes several markets in Bend as well as others in Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver and Madras.
Unlike grocery store produce that may have traveled hundreds of miles, farmers market offerings are often harvested just hours before they reach your hands. This means fresher, more flavorful food for you and your family. Willa Bauman, who manages the Sisters Farmers Market, adds, “Farmers markets have been shown to provide a lot of support to the local economy: One of my favorite stats from Farmers Market Coalition is that for every dollar spent at a farmers market, two dollars is generated for the local economy.” By purchasing directly from farmers and makers, you help sustain local agriculture and small businesses.
Farmers markets provide access to foods that are in season, which not only taste better but also have a lower environmental impact. Many vendors use organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that what you eat is good for both humans and the planet overall.
“In a world where many people don’t know where their food comes from, farmers markets provide a way for people to reconnect to their food system and to rethink the way they shop and eat,” explains Ann Pistacchi-Peck, market manager for the downtown Bend Farmers Market.
As a nonprofit dedicated to making sure fresh, locally produced food is available to everyone, the downtown market considers itself a community-centered, outdoor grocery store where people can connect to their local food producers for their weekly shopping. Worth noting is the wide range of food access programs available. SNAP shoppers taking part in the benefit programs can walk away with $92 to shop at the market after taking out just $26 on their SNAP cards.
Another wonderful thing about attending and shopping at any of the local farmers markets is the chance to meet the people who grow your food, learn about their practices and even get cooking tips. Many of the markets also feature handcrafted foodstuffs such as pickled vegetables, local honey and baked goods along with live music, food vendors and local artisans.
Along with a wide variety of farmers and food producers, makers and artists, the family-operated Redmond Farmers Market has a strong focus on being a family-friendly market. For the 2025 season, it’s adding a market story time for little kids.
“Our goal is to make sure children are included in the market experience and that it’s a space where the community can gather every Friday evening with the whole family,” explains Emma Meyers with Harvest House Events. Emma runs the market with her sisters, Meg Meyers and Lily Lapp.
A new market on the scene this upcoming season is the Worthy Farmers Market running on Sundays beginning April 27 at Worthy Brewing Biergarten on Bend’s east side. With 30 food and craft vendors, a coffee bar hosted by Bohemian Roastery and beer and cocktail offerings along with live music, market manager Jeff Akers (also owner of Bohemian Roastery) says, “People that know and care about their neighbors through community events (such as farmers markets) tend to be much kinder and do not act out with as much malice or disregard.” Akers has nicknamed his hometown “The Isle of Bend” because, as he puts it, “We really support local!”
Food has a unique ability to bring people together as we all need nourishment. Food-centric events such as farmers markets bring together people from all walks of life, creating spaces where the focus can be on flavors and fun. With the abundance of markets throughout Central Oregon, we can all look forward to another abundant season with plenty of opportunities to connect and support each other.
This article appears in The Source Weekly April 3, 2025.
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