Community Farmers Market (CFM) in Bowling Green, Kentucky, began in 2011 with just six vendors in a parking lot when a group of farmers and community leaders came together with a shared commitment to increasing access to fresh, local food. Today, CFM has grown into a vibrant community hub with over 40 vendors and a model that’s reshaping how farmers markets can serve their communities.
A Year-Round Space for Local Producers and Shoppers
Unlike traditional seasonal markets, CFM offers a year-round, indoor venue that brings together farmers, bakers, artisans, and food producers under one roof. This indoor model has been a game-changer, allowing each vendor to create a customized, professional booth space. “Our indoor space has provided stability and opportunity for both vendors and customers,” the CFM team explains. “It not only boosts vendor sales but also supports the growth of their individual brands and businesses.”
CFM is more than a marketplace—it’s an interactive community space. Seasonal events, cooking demonstrations, and educational programs create an engaging environment for shoppers of all ages, fostering deeper connections between producers and the public.
Committed to Food Access and Equity
Accessibility has been a core value for CFM since day one. The market proudly accepts SNAP, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and Senior FMNP benefits, and was the first farmers market in Kentucky to accept these programs while offering a matching Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD) incentive.
“We’ve always believed fresh, local food should be accessible to everyone,” says the CFM team. “Programs like Community Farm Alliance’s KDD and FreshRx for MOMs have been essential in making that belief a reality.”
CFM’s leadership in piloting programs like FreshRx for MOMs—a produce prescription initiative that has since scaled statewide—underscores their dedication to making healthy food options available to all members of the community.
A Steady Partnership with KCARD
Behind CFM’s growth stands a network of partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits—including KCARD.
“We’ve been working with KCARD since our founding,” shares the CFM team. “Their name quickly became synonymous with support and strategy for agricultural businesses in Kentucky.”
KCARD’s involvement has been hands-on and ongoing, from strategic planning sessions to helping CFM secure essential grant funding. “KCARD has been an invaluable partner throughout our growth. Their expertise helped us secure funding to improve our market facility, expand community programs, and provide vendors with the tools they need to succeed,” says CFM. “They’ve guided us through both exciting expansions and challenging transitions, ensuring that we’re always moving forward thoughtfully and strategically.”
Looking Ahead: A Model for Local Food Systems
CFM’s vision for the future is ambitious. They are currently exploring ways to allow WIC cash value benefits to be accepted at farmers markets across Kentucky. “Long-term, our goal is to create a market that meets everyday needs with the consistency of a grocery store but the personal touch and values of a farmers market,” the team explains. “Our dream is to make CFM a national model for how local food systems can meet everyday needs in practical and equitable ways.”
Celebrating National Farmers Market Week
For CFM, National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to highlight not just their vendors but the essential role markets play in building strong, resilient local food systems. “Running a successful farmers market requires year-round planning, strong community relationships, and a deep commitment to both vendors and customers,” the team reflects. “It’s more than just setting up tents or tables—it’s about building trust, ensuring food access, supporting small businesses, and creating a welcoming, inclusive space.”
As CFM reflects on its journey, they emphasize that their market is more than just a place to buy food. “It’s a community space rooted in values of equity, sustainability, and health,” they share. “Working with KCARD has been essential to making that vision a reality. Their ongoing support has helped us grow strategically and remain resilient in the face of challenges.”