Salmon Creek Farmers Market – Vancouver

Anne Foster is the organizer of the Salmon Creek Farmers Market in Vancouver, which connects farm vendors, artisans and producers of wholesome, locally produced food to their local communities. Here, she shares why she shares why the nonprofit sector should share resources.

2020 is coming to a close. How are you feeling?

I can honestly say that it is with a great sense of relief and hope that we end this year. However, the pang of worry surrounding the impact of the ongoing pandemic hangs heavy.  It is unknown whether the farmers market can continue, anywhere, should this unstoppable pandemic continue. We have learned the unfortunate fact in 2020 that we may not be able to live our lives as we once thought we could—that we are vulnerable, and mortal.

How are you taking care of yourself and your staff right now? 

Yes, I am a definite senior, and although I have no serious underlying issues, I follow all the rules!  The market has no staff that is active right now, but I do work with a lot of the farm and food vendors, and they take this very seriously and also follow all the rules!

What do you hope for 2021? 

Is world peace too much to ask for? Or that humans will all get on board taking huge and significant steps to bringing the rate of climate change under control?

What support do you or your organization need in 2021? 

The support we need every year is from the community. Food is a primary need for all human beings and Americans are beyond spoiled when it comes to understanding the value of buying local. Farmers markets in Clark County support small farmers, who employ labor, who spend within the community, who pay taxes, who are good stewards of the earth. The need to recognize them, nurture them so that remains economically viable, and protect them and their land (through local public policy), is immense.  

What are you most proud of this year? 

We survived! Vendors did well at all of our markets this year, although we were not able to host as many vendors (social distancing requirement).  

What message or advice do you have for other nonprofits in your sector? 

Continue to network and support one another.  Sharing needs and resources is so important.

What questions do you have for the nonprofit community? 

Do you have services for “start-ups” like we once were that can help with the “how-to” of starting a non-profit?