Farmers Markets in Northern Va

**COVID-19 ALERT: Please note that the 2020 Farmers Market Availability looks a little different this year. Please check the listings below for OPEN markets. This will be updated as restrictions are lifted. Many sites are also allowing pre-orders. Check each website for information.**

Here are a few shopping guidelines that are recommended:

• Keep 6ft away from others

• Wearing a mask is recommended

• No pets

• Let the vendor bag your items and card purchases are preferred. 

• No on-site eating or drinking

• Get what you need and then leave promptly.

• See if pre-order is an option and just stop by for pick-up

Come home with a bag filled with the tastes and smells of locally produced food this season. During these unusual times we are all looking for ways to support local businesses. Shopping locally at a farmers market is also a great way to show your support. Not to mention, the fresh fruits, vegetables and produce are a great way to stay healthy while we stay at home. For more wellness tips check out how to stay active while staying safe.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has 10 sites throughout the county that host weekly and weekend Saturday & Sunday farmers markets featuring local fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, eggs, honey, cider, and cheeses. All products come from vendors located within 125 miles of Fairfax County, and some vendors are based just a few blocks from the markets. In addition to these 10 sites, there are a number of other farmers markets in the county sponsored by independent organizations. A full list of all farmers markets in Fairfax County is below. 

All of the vendors are producers only, which means that they have to grow or make from scratch everything that they bring to the market. Everything at the market is as fresh as it can get. Farmers, vendors, local businesses, and shops offer unique products like 

• Homemade Fruit Pops

• Local Honey

• Artisanal Baked Goods

Buying local produce supports sustainable agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and provides you the freshest foods you can buy. In addition, Fairfax County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners offer plant clinics at most markets. You can bring plant or insect samples for identification or disease diagnosis and learn more about gardening.

Fairfax County is also proud to announce that select markets are now accepting SNAP benefits. The SNAP at market program is making huge strides to increase access to fresh foods for low-income citizens throughout the county while offering additional support to local farmers. As an extra incentive to buy additional produce, the SNAP program has implemented a "double bucks program" which matches up to $20 a day to be used on additional produce.

For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority's Farmers Markets, visit online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets or contact the Community Horticulture Office at 703-642-0128.

To learn more about what else you can do to support your local community check out the Fairfax at Home page.

*Video courtesy of FairfaxCounty.gov