Reichert Appreciates Farmers Markets

8^th District Representative Dave Reichert was in Wenatchee recently to meet with farmers markets vendors, the farmers market association and many others.

He said that he use to grow his own food on an 80x80 foot garden and donate some of his food to food banks, and he sees much of that same great work through markets thanks to various programs.

“There’s a great marriage and the farmers providing this fresh, healthy produce to people who would not otherwise be able to afford it through some of the programs like SNAP, WIC and FINE programs that help low-income people have access to fresh foods.”

Reichert said that also helps farmers sell to clientele that might not have normally visited a farmers market.

What is the role of the government in all of this? Reichert noted they have a simple mandate.

“I think we need to preserve our farmlands. I think we need to make sure that the people who grow this nation’s food have the support of the government, have the support of the community. It’s a hard job.”

Reichert said he’s a vegetable guy who looks for tomatoes, cucumbers when he goes to farmers markets, but he also loves the fruit at the markets on the east side.

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