RICHMOND — This week is National Farmers Market Week, and Virginia’s agricultural community is using this platform to promote food safety and the other benefits your local farmers market offers. Thousands of vendors sell fruits, vegetables and other produce at markets across the state.

Jess McClelland, communications coordinator for the nonprofit Virginia Fresh Match, said shopping directly from local businesses instead of big box stores puts more money in your neighbors’ pockets.

“At a time when farmers are facing increasing economic challenges, shopping at local farmers markets is one of the best ways for people to help farmers make a livelihood, continue to provide fresh food to their communities, and at the same time support the preservation of agricultural lands,” McClelland said.

Many markets also accept government assistance, including SNAP (food stamps) and SUN Bucks, which can be redeemed through Virginia Fresh Match. Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, yet more than 700,000 state residents are considered food insecure.

Jenny Lester Moffitt, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said farmers markets could fill gaps in food deserts where healthy fruits and vegetables are expensive or difficult to find.

“It’s about selling food, but it’s also about nutrition education and also farmer and agriculturist education, where you can talk to the farmer who grows your product,” she said.

Many produce items are currently in season across the Commonwealth, including tomatoes, peaches, peppers and cherries. For more information about your local market, such as hours and accessibility for wheelchairs or pets, visit vafma.org.