Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market

Every Tuesday from June through October in Kansas City you will find farmers traveling to the Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal agencies. The Market, Third Place winner of the Farmers’ Market Year of the Award, has a captive consumer audience, with over 5,000 employees located at the Federal Complex.

Alongside this captive audience, who are just a short walk from the complex, is a diverse mix of consumers at the Market. One of USDA’s goals is to develop healthy eating habits in consumers and the Farmers’ Market has been a great venue to educate diverse populations about locally grown produce and provide more access to the fresh, local product.

It is not unusual to see shoppers from retirement communities shopping and visiting at the Market. The Kansas City Housing Authority provided round-trip transportation for this population, allowing them to increase their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Future consumers, and perhaps future farmers, are also a focal point of the Market. A local University of Missouri-Columbia effort brought groups of young children to the Market, to tour the Market and talk to farmers. The Boy Scouts served up sumptuous grilled vegetables from the farmers. Another partner, the Federal Child Development Center , provided prepared food and beverages, with proceeds going to the Child Care Tuition Fund.

Another goal of USDA is to inform more citizens of the importance of food gleaning and food recovery. In 2004, the Market members and shoppers donated over 6,280 pounds of food items, most of which was fresh produce, to Harvesters Community Food Network. Since the Market began just five years ago, over 11 tons of fresh produce has been donated to Harvesters. Harvesters serves a 13-county area through more than 500 food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters, helping to meet the needs of struggling families. This partnership, between Harvesters and the Bannister Farmers’ Market, is a natural connection between the farmers who grow produce and those most in need of food assistance.

The Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market is dedicated to supporting local farms and businesses. You won’t find produce shipped in from other parts of the state or country at this market. Instead you WILL find farmers or their family members or farm employees selling their products.

The variety of products at the Farmers’ Market includes locally grown produce, including tree fruits, berries and vegetables, cut flowers, cheese, honey, herbs, meat, baked goods and other agricultural products.

		Farmers’ Market
Read about other Winning Farmers’ Markets: Columbia Farmer’s Market Fair Grove Farmers’ Market		Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market - Kansas City, MO Every Tuesday from June through October in Kansas City you will find farmers traveling to the Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal agencies. The Market, Third Place winner of the Farmers’ Market Year of the Award, has a captive consumer audience, with over 5,000 employees located at the Federal Complex. Alongside this captive audience, who are just a short walk from the complex, is a diverse mix of consumers at the Market. One of USDA’s goals is to develop healthy eating habits in consumers and the Farmers’ Market has been a great venue to educate diverse populations about locally grown produce and provide more access to the fresh, local product. It is not unusual to see shoppers from retirement communities shopping and visiting at the Market. The Kansas City Housing Authority provided round-trip transportation for this population, allowing them to increase their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Future consumers, and perhaps future farmers, are also a focal point of the Market. A local University of Missouri-Columbia effort brought groups of young children to the Market, to tour the Market and talk to farmers. The Boy Scouts served up sumptuous grilled vegetables from the farmers. Another partner, the Federal Child Development Center , provided prepared food and beverages, with proceeds going to the Child Care Tuition Fund. Another goal of USDA is to inform more citizens of the importance of food gleaning and food recovery. In 2004, the Market members and shoppers donated over 6,280 pounds of food items, most of which was fresh produce, to Harvesters Community Food Network. Since the Market began just five years ago, over 11 tons of fresh produce has been donated to Harvesters. Harvesters serves a 13-county area through more than 500 food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters, helping to meet the needs of struggling families. This partnership, between Harvesters and the Bannister Farmers’ Market, is a natural connection between the farmers who grow produce and those most in need of food assistance. The Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market is dedicated to supporting local farms and businesses. You won’t find produce shipped in from other parts of the state or country at this market. Instead you WILL find farmers or their family members or farm employees selling their products. The variety of products at the Farmers’ Market includes locally grown produce, including tree fruits, berries and vegetables, cut flowers, cheese, honey, herbs, meat, baked goods and other agricultural products. The Bannister Federal Complex Farmers’ Market is certainly, Fresh, Healthy and Fun, to Boot!