Resources and Services for Farmers Markets
ASAP offers a knowledge bank, networking opportunities, promotional support, and engagement materials for farmers markets across the Appalachian Grown region. Contact ASAP to learn more about Appalachian Grown branding and getting your market certified.
Farmers Market Toolkit
ASAP’s Farmers Market Toolkit is a collection of information, resources, and best practices for farmers markets in the Appalachian Grown region. ASAP published an expanded version in October 2024. Topics include market governance and regulations, market operations, SNAP, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, marketing, outreach, and more. Browse the Toolkit online or contact Mike McCreary about print copy availability.
Market Engagement Activities
Engagement activities at farmers markets can deepen customers’ sense of belonging, community, and commitment. Periodically, ASAP staff will bring engagement activities to markets throughout the region as well as facilitate connections with aligned community partners who have interest in offering activities at farmers markets. Additionally, ASAP provides resources and support for markets to offer their own engagement activities as simply as possible. View materials and read more here.
- ASAP’s Farmers Market Engagement Activities guide is a supplement to the Farmers Market Toolkit. Browse the guide online or contact Mike McCreary about print copy availability.
- Activity sheets, including scavenger hunts, bingo cards, farmer interviews, and more, are available to download as printable PDFs or editable templates.
- Promotional Activity Kits (PAKs) are available for markets to check out for free through ASAP’s Pick-a-PAK program. PAKs include costumes, games, and dot surveys.
- Download and print an assortment of fruit and vegetable coloring pages.
Promotional Materials
Keep your market stocked with free copies of the Local Food Guide, local food bumper stickers, seasonal recipes, produce availability cards, and more. Market managers may pick up materials at ASAP’s office or contact us to discuss distribution options.
Local Food Guide
Appalachian Grown farmers markets receive a free listing and discounted ads in ASAP’s print and online Local Food Guide. ASAP’s print Local Food Guide is published annually and is the definitive resource for finding local food and farms throughout the Appalachian Grown region. The online Local Food Guide (appalachiangrown.org) is a searchable database for farms, products, farmers markets, and area businesses featuring local food, and can connect you with new customers.
Technical Assistance
Discuss market operations, marketing, and any other questions/challenges that your market is facing. Contact Farmers Market Programs Director Mike McCreary to set up a free one-on-one consultation.
Appalachian Grown Farmers Market Group
An email forum to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from fellow market managers. ASAP also uses this group to send out periodic news and resources for market managers. The market contact listed in the Local Food Guide should be receiving these emails. If you are not getting them or if you need to change or add market contacts, please email Oakley Brewer.
Working Groups
ASAP facilitates small groups of farmers market managers around specific needs or interests (i.e., new market managers, becoming a nonprofit, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for peer learning and networking.