Village of Brighton Farmers Market
Launch the media gallery 1 playerLOCAL FARMERS MARKET MANAGER
RECEIVES OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION
The Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) along with the Village of Brighton, are pleased to announce that Trustee- Marcella Wilfong from Brighton, Illinois, recently completed the 2022 Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager Program. Sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and the University of Illinois Extension, the nine-week class launched in early January.
A total of 26 managers from all across Illinois and Iowa were certified, making Marcella one of only 57 individuals who have been certified as an official "C.F.M.M.," Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager. This program required 30 hours of classroom training focused on basic and advanced leadership skills and professional development topics essential to successful farmers market management.
The Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager Program acknowledges that the Village of Brighton Market Manager is a trained professional. Farmers markets continue to provide communities with access to the freshest and healthiest agricultural products available. The market manager is often the unsung hero of their community, wearing many hats, working long hours, and coordinating many programs at once.
"Farmers markets are essential to the life and livelihood of farmers, producers, and communities throughout Illinois," says Janie Maxwell, I.L.F.M.A. Executive Director. "Farmers markets don't just happen, and it takes the planning, organization, community organizations, and dedicated individuals for them to be successful. Farmers markets may be the safest place to shop for fresh local food with few hands touching products from the field to your plate."
Marcella Wilfong had the opportunity to network with fellow farmers market managers, share ideas, suggest creative solutions, and learn from each other. This networking proved to be a valuable component and a highlight of the overall experience. "This was a great program to learn more about developing and maintaining a sustainable farmers market that could offer the entire Southwestern Community affordable and fresh items and offering all of our Farmers and Backyard Gardeners an opportunity to provide locally”. mentioned Marcella Wilfong.
The Village of Brighton Farmers Market has also been certified to accept Illinois Link/Snap Program and has received a grant to offer Link/Snap Match! This is an amazing program to double your spending dollars. Currently we have 30 Vendors to offer the community a huge selection of Food, Supplies, Household, Crafts, and Services. Each week something special will also be held for your entertainment and the Park Committee will be cooking dinner! Join us each Thursday from 4:00- 7:00p.m. at Schneider Park.
If you have any questions, please contact the Village Clerk (618) 372-8860.