A history of farmers markets from the Los Angeles Times. It was interesting to learn that farmers markets started in LA as a way to get produce to people who didn't have any. Supermarkets had fled the inner city, so farmers markets came in to take their place. At the Gardena market, "scrip for federal and state anti-hunger programs…accounts for as much as half of the market's sales." Using food stamps to buy produce at the farmers market sure undercuts the elitism charge leveled at people who buy fresh local food. I wonder if NYC's Greenmarkets accept stamps? [via Old Shaw Farm]
Update via email: "yes, food-stamp recipients can enroll in a greenmarket coupon program. i've seen people use them at the grand army plaza greenmarket." Awesome.