Market hopes to 'grow' during in its 25th season

The Webb City Farmers Market is reporting a record year in vendor sales in 2024 and expecting to do even better in its current 25th season.

Roen Procter, market coordinator, and David Woodmansee, president of the board of directors, presented the market’s annual report Monday to the Webb City Council. She said sales by vendors totaled $918,433 in 2024, and the goal this year is to surpass $1 million.

She added there were 57 vendors, 42 of which are minority- or women-owned. And there was an average of 22 vendors at each market.

Procter thanked the council for its support with payroll assistance. She also thanked “marketeers” for contributing an estimated 3,000 volunteer hours during 2024.

Mayor Lynn Ragsdale noted other markets are popping up in the area. Procter acknowledged that but said, “My goal is (for Webb City’s) to be the best.”

Farm tours is one new program she highlighted. “It’s important for people to see where their food is grown,” she said. The next one will be Thursday, May 8, at E&O Family Produce.

The market accepts SNAP payments and is at present participating in the Double Your Food Bucks program, which doubles the dollar amount SNAP partipitants can receive, up to $50 for $25.

WCFM also provides $10 in vouchers per week for Women Infants and Children participants. This program is financed with donations.

Missouri Southern State University Lions Co-op Grocery tokens totaling $9,631 were accepted last year at the market.

Procter also noted:

• 21% of customers have been shopping at WCFM for over 10 years.
• 36% of shoppers come to the market at least once a week.
• 77% of customers say they rarely or never shop at another farmers market.
• 66% of shoppers live within a 10-mile radius.