Columbia Farmers Market, Inc

The mission of Columbia Farmers Market is to provide a space for our vibrant community of growers, producers, and makers by supporting, educating, and expanding sustainable mid-Missouri agriculture. By facilitating this community resource, we strive to strengthen relationships between local food producers and food consumers by educating, nourishing, and making local food accessible for all people in our community.

This year, we celebrated our 45th anniversary! Columbia Farmers Market has been an integral part of Columbia's local food scene since 1980, promoting sustainable mid-Missouri agriculture through our 'producer-only' market held year-round. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, funded mainly by vendor fees, government grants, and sponsorships, we emphasize education, nourishment, and accessibility for our community. With a small yet dedicated staff and a volunteer Board of Directors, we strive to facilitate relationships between local producers and consumers, enriching the lives of Columbia residents and visitors. Our passion lies in sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and creating a positive impact while shaping a resilient and inclusive future for mid-Missouri's food systems.

In 2024, we dispensed $74,634 in matching benefits, serving 2,011 individuals and 725 households.

Gifts support our efforts to offer food incentive programs - SNAP/WIC matching, Produce Prescriptions, Good Food Detectives club - children's activities, and support farmers. Donating to CFM positively impacts the community, spanning economic development, food security, sustainability, and social cohesion.

In 2024, we dispensed $820 in Munch Money to kids through the Good Food Detectives Program. Through these activities, kids are motivated to embrace healthy eating habits and can use the Munch Money to purchase fruits, vegetables, nuts and honey directly from the farmers.

CFM plays a vital role as an economic driver for local farmers and producers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local food ecosystem and providing access to fresh, healthy food for all. Supporting CFM and its producers directly boosts the local economy by fostering the growth of small businesses. In 2024, CFM vendors sold nearly $4.7 million in food, infusing local rural economies, and CFM provided $164,666 in food incentives to help individuals in financial need.

In 2024, we inspected 51 sites, 1,632 miles driven within our 50-mile radius, ensuring a fair and safe market place with high quality standards.

As a Producer-Only Market, everything sold at the Columbia Farmers Market is offered by the farmers and artisans who help sustain the culture, economy, and environment of our region. If they did not grow or produce it themselves, they cannot sell it here. We work hard to provide a reliable and regulated marketplace to ensure high quality and safe food for our customers. Vendors and farms are inspected on a regular basis to maintain these high standards.

Please make a donation to Columbia Farmers Market and support the growth of our local food system! Check out the videos in our Media Gallery below, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website at columbiafarmersmarket.org to learn more about our history and our mission!