As Carnation Farmers Market’s annual Thanksgiving Harvest Market approaches, the organization takes a look back on a season marked with growing diversity and growing success, for both local farmers and local eaters.

Carnation Farmers Market saw a rise in attendance and vendor sales this year, in part due to increased diversity in vendor and product selection. Each week brought a consistent array of local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, honey, beer, ice cream and prepared foods.

In addition to popular vendors, programs aimed toward supporting local farms, improving access to healthy foods, and creating an inclusive community led to this season’s positive momentum. In 2017 the market launched a free program, Power of Produce (POP) Club, which engaged children in weekly fruit and veggie tastings along with educational food and farm related activities. POP Club participants receive a $2 token to purchase market produce every time they participate, and have opportunities to visit Hearth Farm, a part of SnoValley Tilth’s Experience Farming Project.

Another addition this season is the Veggie Rx program. In partnership with Tolt River Family Medicine (TRFM), the market began redeeming “prescriptions” for fruits and vegetables. When the doctors treat a patient experiencing barriers to fresh produce, they can issue a prescription, redeemable at the market, for tokens to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Both the Veggie Rx program and Power of Produce Club are funded by King County’s Best Starts for Kids grant program.

The Annual Thanksgiving Harvest Market runs from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, indoors at Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center in Carnation.

Carnation Farmers Market is a program of SnoValley Tilth. For more details visit www.carnationfarmersmarket.org.