Our Impact
Since 2008, the Indy Winter Farmers Market has provided a venue for Indiana’s sustainably-minded family farms, food producers, and artisans to sell their products throughout the fall and winter. The market provides economic opportunities to local farmers and vendors, extending their selling season through the winter while providing fresh, local food to the community.
The Indy Winter Farmers Market is the longest-running and only winter market in downtown Indianapolis that connects farmers to community members. Operated by 16 Tech Community Corporation, the nonprofit responsible for the 16 Tech Innovation District, the Indy Winter Farmers Market bridges the gap between the community, local farmers, and food producers.
This season by the numbers
$9,257 SNAP redeemed at the market
〰️
64 locally-owned vendors
〰️
2,000+ engaged community members
〰️
22% BIPOC vendors
〰️
24,000+ total visits during the market season
〰️
$9,257 SNAP redeemed at the market 〰️ 64 locally-owned vendors 〰️ 2,000+ engaged community members 〰️ 22% BIPOC vendors 〰️ 24,000+ total visits during the market season 〰️
Our impact through the Triple-Match SNAP Program
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of households receiving SNAP, otherwise known as food stamps, has increased for families and individuals experiencing falling incomes and rising food needs. Our Triple-Match SNAP program allows us to turn $20 into $60 for SNAP recipients, increasing shoppers’ spending power using SNAP benefits during the market season.
Last season, our Triple-Match SNAP program dramatically increased the amount our community was able to spend on fresh, locally grown produce.
$9,257
in SNAP redeemed
+
$6,672
Market Match*
+
$6,672
Fresh Bucks Match**
=
$22,601
Spent on local food
*Recipients are able to redeem as much as they want, but we only match up to $20 for each individual/family per week.
**Fresh Bucks will only match up to $20 for each individual/family per week.
Our impact on small, local businesses in Indianapolis
Farmers’ markets are often the starting point for new entrepreneurs to test their products with potential local customers. We welcome more than 50 vendors weekly including local produce farmers and food producers, selling sustainably raised meats, dairy products, cheese, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, and much more.
Farmers’ markets have long served to increase food access in low-income areas and support small farmers and local businesses while bolstering a healthy, locally empowering economy. According to the Farmers’ Market Coalition, for every $100 spent at a farmers’ market, up to 45% stays in the local economy; only 15% of revenue stays local when shopping from large chain stores.
The Indy Winter Farmers Market is key to connecting our Near West and Near Northwest neighbors to local, fresh food and produce.
