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Farmers Market Commission previews 50th season plans, reports vendor growth and SNAP/EBT access
Summary
The Farmers Market Commission reported 19 new vendors this season, vendor sales and attendance metrics from prior years, ongoing SNAP/EBT and partner programs, and plans for 50th‑anniversary celebrations and improvements.
The Farmers Market Commission and staff presented a seasonal report on Sept. 15, telling the City Council that the market continues to draw vendors and visitors and is planning events for its fiftieth season.
Why it matters: The market is a major downtown economic and community activity that supports local growers and artisans, provides nutrition-assistance access through SNAP/EBT partnerships, and contributes to downtown foot traffic and small-business sales.
What the commission said: JT Manning, the newly elected commission chair, said the market had 19 new vendors this year and that 74% of vendors come from the Palouse (Latah and Whitman counties). He cited a last-season sales figure of more than $2.2 million and an average attendance metric (using 2022 numbers) of about 7,500 adults and 1,300 children per market day, which the commission used to demonstrate regional draw. Manning described outreach programs that include a youth-vendor pathway (sprouts/juniors tiers), a poster contest tied to the 50th anniversary, regional SNAP/EBT nutrition programs through the Moscow Food Co-op, and music and public-art activities on Friendship Square.
Concerns and needs: Commissioners identified space and infrastructure constraints as the top challenge for growth — including power and communication across longer market aisles — and continue to discuss potential corridor expansions (Fourth and Fifth Streets) and the feasibility of extending market footprints across Highway 95.
Next steps: The commission will continue vendor jury processes, plan 50th-anniversary events for next season, and work with city staff on infrastructure and outreach to increase participation in contests and programs.
