The 2021 Perry Farmers Market will continue each Thursday through Sept. 30 from 4-7 p.m., with vendors on Second Street in downtown Perry between Willis Avenue and Warford Street.
That one-block portion of Second Street is closed to vehicular traffic starting at 2 p.m.
Special guest vendors will be on hand on the third Thursday of each month, starting Thursday, June 17 with a Health and Wellness Night, featuring the Dallas County Public Health Department, Dallas County Hospital and Family Medicine Clinics, Perry Lutheran Homes, Eye Care Associates, Perry Public Library, Dallas County Conservation and Snap Fitness.
Additional themed events include Public Safety Night on July 15, Back to School Night on Aug. 19 and Public Works Night on Sept. 16.
The Perry Public Library will continue its Healthy Steps program during the 2021 Farmers Market season to encourage healthy habits. The library purchases seasonal produce in bulk from a market vendor and then gives it away at the market while supplies last. Honey from Spring Valley Honey will be handed out Thursday, June 17. Exact dates are still to be determined, but market customers can expect sweet corn in July, melons in August and apples in September.
Two new programs will make fresh produce more accessible to those needing assistance. Thanks to a grant from the Bock Family Foundation, the Perry Area Emergency Food Council, which runs to Perry Food Pantry, will be expanding its voucher program. Perry Food Pantry Market Dollars can be used on any items at the Perry Farmers Markets and will be redeemed by the market vendors.
In addition, people who receive benefits through Iowa’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now purchase SNAP-eligible food items at the Perry Farmers Market. SNAP customers should start at the Perry Chamber of Commerce booth to swipe their SNAP EBT card in exchange for tokens and also to receive Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). The SNAP tokens and DUFB dollars can then be used as currency at vendor booths to purchase eligible items.
Perry Farmers Market customers are urged to be cautious and courteous while at the Perry Farmers Market. Stay home if you feel sick. Wear a face covering. Wash and sanitize hands and surfaces. Practice social distancing. For more information about the Perry Farmers Market, visit the city of Perry website or call the Perry Chamber of Commerce at 515-465-4601.
