The Grand Marais Farmers Market takes place in the Cook County Community Center parking lot on Thursdays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. starting June 19, 2025. The farmers market offers local foods grown or made in Cook County by local vendors, and is a lively, social gathering space that is welcoming to all. The market is operated as a partnership between the Community Center and the Northwoods Food Project, a local non-profit organization.

There are many benefits to visiting a farmers market. You will find fresh produce that was picked by local farmers that very day — the best way to get the most flavor and nutritional value from your vegetables and fruits. You will also find things like baked goods, maple syrup, bread, flowers, wild rice, condiments and more. Buying from local producers benefits the local economy and supports small businesses that are run by your neighbors. The market is also a great place to see and meet friends new and old! With its convenient location next to the playgrounds and plenty of street parking, the market is a friendly environment for all families to visit.

Did you know that you can use your SNAP/EBT at the market? If you receive SNAP benefits, visit the welcome booth and we’ll help you use your EBT card to shop at the market. In addition, you’ll get matching benefits in the form of Market Bucks and Produce Bucks. Up to $10 of your SNAP is matched by both of these programs, so taking out $10 of SNAP to shop with will get you $10 of market bucks and $10 of produce bucks to spend each week as well. Your $10 turns into $30 of buying power for local foods!

Families with kids who qualify for free and reduced lunch, or who participate in public assistance programs, are receiving Sun Bucks cards in the mail from the state of MN this summer. These cards work just like EBT cards, and families can use their Sun Bucks cards at the Farmers Market to purchase food. Stop by the welcome booth and we’ll get you started.

Participants in the nutrition assistance program called WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) are also eligible for a program called Together We Grow. Families can present their WIC card at the welcome booth to receive $20 each week to spend on food at the market. This supports a healthy start in life for babies and young children and is an addition to a family’s other WIC benefits. We are able to offer this program thanks to funding from the North Shore Collaborative.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from the Oral Health Task Force and Empty Bowls, we are also able to offer the Power of Produce Club for kids and low-income seniors. This free club is available every week at the market starting July 10. Kids ages 4-12 and seniors over 65 who meet income guidelines (available at the welcome booth) sign up to join the club and receive $5 each week to spend on fresh produce. The club is a wonderful way to try new vegetables and fruits!

Local food vendors can join the market throughout the season, so if you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit the Farmers Market website at co.cook.mn.us/farmers-market and look for the vendor handbook and online registration form. Local non-profit groups are also welcome to have informational tables at the market. If you are interested, contact Market Manager Anna Klobuchar for details at [email protected] or by calling 218-387-3015. Also, the market is looking for musicians interested in playing one or more times during the market season to add to the welcoming atmosphere. Please reach out to Anna if you are interested.

You can follow the Grand Marais Farmers Market on Facebook for weekly updates on what will be available at the market as well as announcements. Whether you attend every week or just make it once a year, we invite you to visit and enjoy the Grand Marais Farmers Market this summer!

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.