As people in the U.S. become more aware of the benefits of eating locally grown food, interest in farmers’ markets is on the rise. Many individuals believe public parks are ideal locations for these vendors, noting convenient access for local residents, and increased public awareness and utilization of park facilities.

Before 2010, it was illegal to sell food on city parkland in the District of Columbia (DC). This changed with the passage of the Healthy Schools Act, which outlined new regulations regarding nutrition, physical education, and the promotion and support of sustainable farming and locally grown food. Upon passage of the act, many people expressed interest in opening farmers’ markets on public park property; however, there was no established permit process in place, creating challenges for both vendors and the city.

The DC Department of Health (DOH) collaborated with the DC Parks and Recreation Department (DPR) and DC Hunger Solutions to establish a standardized way in which farmers’ markets could obtain permits to bring their produce to residents at local parks. After engaging in extensive research—including surveying the city’s existing farmers’ markets—DOH compiled a report to provide information to DPR about the industry, and recommend a formal set of guidelines and procedures.

One guideline proposed the establishment of an appropriate scale-based fee structure, adjustable based on the number of vendors within a particular market. The guidelines also recommended permission for vendors to perform power washing at their discretion, rather than weekly. As a precondition for a permit, vendors would be required to obtain a letter from the commissioner of their local Advisory Neighborhood Council.

The DPR agreed with the guidelines proposed by DOH, and adopted them across all DPR parks in the District. To date, there are four farmers’ markets operating on DPR property—some of which are now providing healthy food access to residents with the highest rates of chronic disease and obesity in DC.

Looking forward, organizers hope to develop a communications plan and increase promotions for the farmers’ markets. Additionally, the partners recognize the critical need to reinforce the process within relevant agencies, to ensure guidelines are consistently and properly applied. 

The partners cite the Healthy Schools Act as instrumental in increasing access to healthy food for all the residents of DC. Additionally, they credit the open lines of communication established between the District and federal agencies as critical to the adoption of the farmers’ market guidelines. They believe this spirit of collaboration will have great impact moving forward in future endeavors.