Where we live, work, learn and play greatly influences our health. Clark County Public Health works to create healthy environments that support eating well and staying active because it positively impacts the emotional and physical health of our residents. Farmers markets and community gardens with fresh vegetables and fruits are an important part of our healthy environment.
Local farms and farmers markets throughout Clark County offer a wide variety of delicious, locally-grown food.
There are many benefits to purchasing locally grown and locally produced foods. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, fish and bread direct from the farmers are as fresh as it gets and they taste better! Buying local means:
- Less packaging
- Supporting your community and the local economy
- Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
- Supporting the local food system and strengthening community food security
- Lower transportation costs because food travels shorter distances from farm to consumer
Buying locally
Clark County residents who want to buy locally-grown and produced food direct from farmers have many options. The Farm Finder, hosted by Washington State University, is a great way to find farm stands, u-pick locations, community supported agriculture options, and other sources of locally grown foods. LocalHarvest is another resource for local farms, food co-ops, pick your own, farm stands, etc. Local farmers markets include:
- Camas Farmers Market
- East Vancouver Farmers Market
- Ridgefield Farmers Market
- Salmon Creek Farmers Market
- Vancouver Farmers Market
Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market is now open year-round. From November thru March it will be open every Saturday from 10am-2pm. Closed Dec. 21 and 23, 2024.
Community supported agriculture (CSA) farm shares
CSA farms sell shares of their harvest at the beginning of the season. The cost of shares, the length of the season, and the types of food grown vary from farm to farm. You can find out more by doing a web search for CSA farmers in your area. Clark County Grown is another resource for local CSA farms.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP Market Match is a nutrition incentive program that helps families and individuals who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/EBT benefits increase their ability to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets.
If you use your SNAP benefits at farmers markets, you can participate in the Fresh Match program. Farmers markets accepting SNAP (food stamp) EBT cards include:
SNAP customers visit participating farmers markets, swipe their SNAP/EBT card at the information booth to receive SNAP Market Match currency in addition to SNAP/EBT currency. SNAP eligible foods can be matched, dollar for dollar, for $25 free vouchers to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. Most markets match $25 per day; check with your local market for their daily match amount. This program helps increase access to healthy, affordable food for SNAP customers.
SNAP customers use SNAP Market Match currency to purchase eligible items from farmers market vendors selling eligible products including fresh vegetables fruits, mushrooms and fresh herbs.
SNAP Market Match currency cannot be used for dried, canned or frozen vegetables and fruits, dried herbs, nuts, seeds, eggs, seafood or meat, milk and cheese.
The color of currency changes each year to easily differentiate yearly expiration dates by participating markets as they process high volumes of currency. Currency expires December 31 of each year.
Strategic changes. Sustainable results.
Strategic changes. Sustainable results.The Clark County Food System Council increases and preserves access to safe, local and healthy food for all residents of Clark County. The council supports a viable, economical and sustainable local food system through multiple strategies.
For more information, contact the Chronic Disease Prevention team.