Shreveport Farmers’ Market named no. 1 in Louisiana

August 15, 2024

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market has been recognized as the No. 1 Farmers Market in the State of Louisiana by American Farmland Trust during the 16th Annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration. The celebration took place between June 1 – July 31, 2024, where public votes were taken online and markets receiving the most votes in each state were recognized as winners.

First-place winners from each state are awarded $100 and a year of bragging rights. These funds are awarded for marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact. The annual celebration highlights the key role farmers’ markets play in American communities and the larger food system.  

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market, currently in their 38th season, hosts over 80 vendors weekly during the summer months of June, July and August. Customers can find a variety of homegrown and homemade items such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, honey, breads, jams, jellies, pastries, candies, pickles, seasonings, various canned goods, shrimp, and ethically raised meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. In addition to the variety of foods, local artisans have handcrafted items such as art, jewelry, candles, and soaps. Local food artisans also prepare breakfast, brunch, and lunch for the customers’ enjoyment on Food Row! 

“We are honored to be named the number one farmers’ market in the great state of Louisiana for 2024. Our vendors, volunteers, and staff work year-round to ensure that we provide a quality market to our community with access to fresh, nutritious food and goods that are produced by farmers and artisans. This recognition is a testament to the passion of our farmers, the support of our loyal customers, and our shared belief in the power of good food to bring people together,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, Market Manager for the Shreveport Farmers’ Market.  

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from June 1st through August 24th, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Festival Plaza, located at 101 Crockett Street in downtown Shreveport. The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is the only USDA-Approved farmers’ market in the Shreveport-Bossier community, which allows for acceptance and use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Free parking is available in the adjacent lots to Festival Plaza, along with the meter parking on the street, with handicap parking available in the lot next to the plaza on Crockett Street. There will be an ATM onsite for vendors that only take cash, although most vendors accept credit/debit cards.

In addition to accepting Louisiana Purchase (SNAP) cards, some farmers accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Food Coupons available through the parish’s Councils on Aging. No pets are allowed at the market per Louisiana Law (service animals only).  

For more information about Shreveport Farmers’ Market, contact Manager Emerie Eck Holtzclaw at [email protected], 318-424-4000, or www.shreveportfarmersmarket.com. The market is a project of Red River Revel, Inc. and is supported by the Downtown Development Authority, Slow Food North Louisiana, and the City of Shreveport.