This past Saturday, Port Orchard Farmers Market opened for its 48th season and featured 65 vendors, live music, and more.
The market’s opening day shone a spotlight on community access to food and hosted a handful of local nonprofit partners, including Kitsap Harvest and Meals on Wheels Kitsap, that shared various resources and programs aimed at reducing food scarcity in Port Orchard and South Kitsap County.
Through Washington’s SNAP Market Match program, the market is able to match up to $10 when shoppers use their SNAP benefits at the farmers market.
When asked what she’s most excited about now that the market is in full swing, Market Manager Ellie Richmond underlined the importance of local farmers and artisans when it comes to feeding a community.
“(I’m looking forward to) strengthening our local food system and economy by connecting our small farms, producers, and artisans directly with the South Kitsap community,” she said.
The market, whose presenting sponsors are Port of Bremerton and Port Orchard Tree Care, will be open each Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. 31.