Idaho summers are short but productive. The same warm days and cool nights that make our potatoes famous also produce some of the best fruits, vegetables, and locally grown goods in the country. One of the best places to find them is at your neighborhood farmers market.
Farmers markets are a fun way to spend a Saturday morning and are a practical, health-conscious, and community-minded choice for anyone who wants to eat well. Farmers markets provide fresh food, support local agriculture, and promote health and community.
Finding a Farmers Market Near You
Idaho is home to dozens of farmers markets, from the Panhandle to the Magic Valley. The Idaho Preferred directory, maintained by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, is a reliable resource for locating markets by region. The directory also provides a seasonal availability guide for fruits and vegetables, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Most markets operate from April through October, though some open earlier or offer winter markets. Visit the Idaho Preferred directory to find an open farmers market near you.
Pre-order Market Goods
Many Idaho markets now offer online pre-ordering so you can shop online and pick up your order during market hours. Either hosted by the market or via the new Reko system, launched through a partnership between FARE Idaho and RekoHub, you can pre-order directly from local farmers and goods providers on the Reko online platform or app. The service is free for both buyers and sellers, and there are pick-up locations all over Idaho, including several farmers markets. They currently serve Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Star, Kuna, and Mountain Home and are continuously adding more locations.
You can enter your zip code on Reko to view items to order, pick-up locations, and local markets.
The Teton Valley Online Farmers Market is an online marketplace that delivers straight to your home in the Teton Valley area. You can place an order from Sunday 8 a.m. to Tuesday 6 p.m., and your order will be delivered Thursday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Boise Farmers Market offers its own online ordering service. You can shop the online store from Tuesday at 7 a.m. to Wednesday at 11 p.m. and pick up on Saturday at their drive-thru market.
Farmers Markets Are for Everyone
Many Idaho markets accept SNAP benefits and participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program. This program matches SNAP dollars spent on produce, meaning that for every dollar a shopper spends on fruits or vegetables with their SNAP benefits, they receive an additional dollar to spend on more produce. It’s a powerful way to make fresh food accessible to more Idahoans.
Check to see if your market accepts SNAP and offers the Double Up Food Bucks by checking the directory or visiting your local market’s website.
Supporting Your Health
When you buy from a local farmer, your money stays in Idaho. It helps support farmland, builds a more resilient food system, and encourages the consumption of fresh foods. Eating well is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
If you’re looking for more ways to stay healthy, your health coverage with Your Health Idaho covers preventative care, such as health screenings and nutrition counseling. Learn more about what preventative services are covered under your plan.
Your Plans for the Weekend
Now is a great time to find a market close to you and enjoy the best food Idaho has to offer. Whether shopping online or in person, you can make a difference for health and your community.