National Farmers Market Week: Support Leesburg Vendors

LEESBURG, VA — The first week of August marks National Farmers Market Week, and there's no better time to visit Leesburg's farmers markets and support local producers.

The Loudoun Valley Homegrown Markets Cooperative operates several farmers markets for Loudoun County residents. In Leesburg, their farmers market is open on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The markets are located at Virginia Village Shopping Center, 30 Catoctin Circle.

This year, National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 1 to 7 celebrates the resiliency of farmers markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid challenges with conventional food supply chains at the start of the pandemic, farmers markets stepped up to meet a growing interest in local foods. Markets adapted to restrictions with social distancing, regulating traffic flow, advance ordering systems and more for the safety of vendors and shoppers.

This year, Loudoun County's array of farmers markets are back to business as usual with few restrictions. Shoppers who are not vaccinated and children under 12 are encouraged to wear a mask. Loudoun Valley Homegrown Markets Cooperative's two Leesburg farmers markets are open year-round, though seasonal offerings and hours will vary month to month.

The Loudoun Valley Homegrown Markets Cooperative operates seven different farmers markets on a weekly basis. Their events can be found in Bluemont, Leesburg, Gilbert's Corner, and Loudoun Station.

The markets focus on providing opportunities for farmers and small businesses, according to their website. "Our mission is to promote local, sustainable and organic agriculture, increase economic opportunities for farmers and small food businesses, to offer experiential learning about and access to healthy local foods, and to build a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors."

The annual National Farmers Market Week celebration is coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit providing training, technical assistance and network-building to farmers markets nationwide.

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