Pierce County Council and the county executive proclaimed Aug. 3–9, 2025, as Farmers Market Week in Pierce County, saying the markets support local food, entrepreneurship and community connections.

The proclamation, read by Vice Chair Herrera at the July 29 council meeting, notes that Pierce County hosts 12 farmers markets across the county and calls out county-supported programs that let customers use federal and state nutrition benefits at markets, including SNAP Market Match, WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The proclamation also encourages residents to consult the Pierce County website for a full list of markets.

Why it matters: Farmers markets are a recurring point of public support for small-scale producers and small businesses, and local officials and market operators told the council that county funding helps sustain operations and increase access to fresh food for benefit recipients.

Catherine Kelly, manager of the Broadway Farmers Market, told the council the market has recovered from pandemic-era losses and that “attendance has increased significantly. Vendor numbers are up 30%, and total sales per week are up 40% compared to last year.” Kelly said those gains were enabled in part by “Pierce County's reliable funding” that the market uses to support operations and capacity-building.

Abby Woods, a vendor who sells Caribbean food under the name Trini Plate at the Procter Farmers Market, thanked the council for the recognition and described the labor vendors invest: “Having seen firsthand the amount of work that goes into these markets, just like waking up at 4 a.m. to get ready and days of prep, I just want to say, thank you so much for recognizing this awesome work.”

Council members also emphasized the markets' role in community-building and local tourism. Council Member Ayala said farmers markets are “a great entry point to get to know a city or get to know a community,” and she cited a youth market that has created opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The proclamation lists markets in DuPont, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Bonney Lake, Orting Valley, Puyallup, South Hill (Village), Proctor (Tacoma), Broadway (Tacoma), Eastside, and Dune Peninsula (Tacoma). The county urged residents to visit markets this season and noted many markets operate nearly year-round or connect customers to community-supported agriculture programs in the off-season.

County officials and market representatives closed the item by encouraging residents to attend local markets and by thanking vendors, volunteers and market managers for their work. The proclamation does not create new policy or funding; it recognizes existing markets and county support.