Take a Survey and Help Rank Winter Garden Farmers Market #1 Nationwide

We are using our blog to issue a special request to all who have ever attended the Winter Garden Farmers Market. Keep reading to see how you can help!

Every year a national survey by American Farmland Trust rates farmers markets across the country on five specific criteria. Those criteria are:

• People’s Choice
• Focus on Farmers
• Healthy Food for All
• Pillar of the Community
• Champion of the Environment

In 2016, Winter Garden Farmers Market was ranked #1 in the nation. This is a HUGE deal because we pulled ahead to first place in a race between 7,000 U.S. farmer’s markets. People do come from all over the country to the Orlando area and, in their explorations, are becoming more aware of our excellent farmers market. We would like your help to keep this momentum going!

In 2017, we took 2nd place, which is nothing to sneeze at. But we want to regain that #1 ranking in 2018.

Here is a breakdown what each category means and how we ranked in 2017. Again, keep reading to find out what you can do to help.

People’s Choice

The “People’s Choice” criteria is what is used to measure how many people recommend the Winter Garden Farmers Market to their friends and family. This one is very important as it is a “vote” for the very best.

Focus on Farmers

The “Focus on Farmers” criteria determines which farmers markets do right by farmers by helping them stay on their land, serving family farmers, and educating the community about the issues farmers face. Last year’s top 3 rankings were:

Healthy Food for All

The “Healthy Food for All” criteria focuses on how well the farmers market promotes a culture of healthy living, nutrition, fresh food, and food accessibility for underserved and low-income communities. This includes donations to local food banks, acceptance of federal food and nutrition program benefits, and helping vulnerable senior citizens. Here’s how we ranked in 2017.

Pillar of the Community

People look to farmers as pillars of the community. Our Farmers Market is in one of the most unique “hometown” environments on the planet, with cozy shops and healthy living choices surrounding it. It is an ideal atmosphere for a central gathering place and has the full support of local government. In 2017 we ranked 2nd.

Champion for the Environment

We can change our environment for the better through farmers markets by using reusable bags, having other methods of transportation (our town is very bicycle-friendly), and cutting back on food waste. Our farmers work hard to protect wildlife, water, and soil. We were rated 2nd in the 2017 rankings.

In Just 1 Minute You Can Help Winter Garden Farmers Market

Before September 21st, 2018, please fill out the Winter Garden Farmers Market survey to help us maintain our current ranking or, with sharing of this link with your friends and family, help us get back to #1 in the country!

Thank you!

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