Local Living

Local living is becoming a conscious way of life for many Tacomans. These “locavores” choose to think globally and engage locally. Tacoma Farmers Market has been showcasing locally farmed, wholesome food in the City’s core for 20 years!! Our loyal locavores support our hard-working farmers and help them to keep local farmland in production. Our market has also enabled Pierce County citizens to eat better and get healthier. Our market offers low-income seniors and moms with kids a chance to access fresh healthy food through our participation in Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.

Visit our Markets to enjoy performing arts, soul-warming foods, midday treats, fabulous local music, a showcase of community service programs and engaging activities, and relaxing seating areas where you may wish to partake in COOKING CAMP - our quick and fun cooking demonstrations. Tacomans have come together to create this community space. We encourage you to make regular stops at our Markets this season – and soak up all Tacoma has to offer in one great place (Now in 3 Locations!).

Stretch Your Food Dollars & Preserve Tacoma's Healthiest Foods Today with this Guide Click Here for Tips 

Community Space Booth at ANY of our Markets:

Tacoma Farmers Market supports local non-profits and community groups through providing booth space at little to no cost at the Broadway and 6th Ave markets. A group can choose to pay a $25 fee or provide volunteers to help setup or tear down the market on the booth day. If you think your group or organization would be interested in applying, download the application Click here for a Booth Space application and email it completed to Cayenne@tacomafarmersmarket.com.

Books We Recommend

  • Botany of Desire (Michael Pollan)
  • Civic Agriculture (Thomas A. Lyson)
  • Fields of Plenty (Michael Ableman)
  • In Defense of Food (Michael Pollan)
  • Nourishing Traditions (Sally Fallon)
  • Root Cellaring (Mike and Nancy Bubel)
  • The Earth Knows My Name (Patricia Klindienst)
  • The New Organic Grower (Eliot Coleman)
  • The Omnivore's Dilemma...Also a Kids version! (Michael Pollan)
  • The Soul of Soil (Joe Smillie and Grace Gershuny)
  • Second Nature: A Gardeners Education (Michael Pollan)
  • Animal, Vegetable Miracle (Karen Kingsolver)
  • Food, Inc (Book & DVD) (Eric Schlosser)

More Websites
  • Go Local Tacoma, a networking resource for locally conscious individuals and businesses: www.golocaltacoma.com/ or www.SupportYourNeighborhood.com
  • Take the no GMO challenge! http://realfoodmedia.com/no-gmo-challenge/about/
  • Check out the Community Food Services Coalition: http://www.foodsecurity.org/aboutcfsc.html
  • Join the conversation with local home and small farm gardeners at http://i.feedtacoma.com/Growing%20Conversation/
  • Interested in securing our local food policies, check out www.tahomafoodpolicy.org for more information.
  • Canning tips galore at www.canningacrossamerica.com  
  • NW Agricultural Business Center http://www.agbizcenter.org/programs/marketAccessNetwork 
  • EBT Food Services Information (Food Stamps) https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03esaapps/onlinecso/findservice.asp
  • PFM Farmers Market Economic Analysis https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03esaapps/onlinecso/findservice.asp
  • Read about SNAP Benefits (Farmers Market Nutrition Program - USDA) http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/
  • Thinking about becoming a produce vendor? Check this out...http://foodinnovationcenter.rutgers.edu/educational_resources/market/farmers_vendors.html
  • See how a successful food initiative works at http://www.albafarmers.org/organics/market_education.html
  • See if you are eligible to receive WIC benefits (good at TFM Markets) http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/wic/default.htm
  • Center for Dis-Ease Control data regarding eating FRESH http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/downloads/NationalActionGuide2009.pdf
  • Low Impact Gardening Tips (AKA permaculture) found at http://permies.com/
  • National Farmers Market Coalition www.farmersmarketcoalition.org