Building Community at the Prairie Farmers Market in Parkers Prairie
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A farmers market gives a community an opportunity to shop locally, supporting local food and goods. The new Prairie Farmers Market in Parkers Prairie offers fresh produce, meats, breads, preserves, flowers, crafts, and more. The market is held on Fridays from 3-6 p.m. from June to October at City Park in Parkers Prairie.
Meghan Jahnke, the market manager, started the Parkers Prairie Farmers Market to build community resiliency. “Food and access to food in a changing world, especially high-quality food, is paramount right now,” said Meghan. “Focusing only on people who are producing their own goods benefits our local economy. I want our local economy to be building our local economy.”
Farmers markets preserve rural livelihoods and stimulate local economies. They also connect the consumer to the producer, forming a long-lasting bond. Such bonds promote sustainable practices, increase access to fresh and nutritious foods, and provide communities with gathering places.
The Vendors
The market has 12 vendors that are all producers, meaning that all members can only offer for sale what they have produced themselves or within their family. Producer-only markets offer complete transparency as to where the food was produced. Below is a list of some of the products offered or will be offered at the market.
- Beef
- Lamb
- Goat
- Pork
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Bread
- Sourdough Bread
- Muffins
- Scones
- Cookies
- Bars
- Chemical-Free Flower Bouquets
- Freeze-Dried Food and Candy
- Shirts
- Bags
- Wooden Signs
- Walking Sticks
- Greeting Cards
- Organic and Chemical-Free Vegetables
- Organic and Chemical-Free Fruit
The Future
Meghan envisions the market becoming a community event every week. This includes adding more vendors, local artists, local musicians, and food trucks. Also, providing artist workshops and other educational opportunities for all ages is alluring for the future of the market.
“Having the market shows that we’re taking care of each other—we’re able to work together,” she added. “It’s important to help to bridge the customers with the producers, and I see a farmers market as being a perfect platform for that.”
The best way to support Prairie Farmers Market is to show up on Fridays from 3-6 p.m. through October at City Park in Parkers Prairie. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor or have feedback, feel free to reach out via Facebook or Instagram. You can also email Meghan at prairiefarmersmarket@gmail.com.
About the Author
Brogan Ludwig is the ACC AmeriCorps member for West Central Initiative. His year of service includes working on the Climate Action Newsletter and Climate Action outreach. Brogan graduated from Concordia College in May 2023. He lives outside his hometown, Hawley.
About Brogan Ludwig