Community Participation in Local Food Systems: Unpacking Access, Affordability, and Trust in Farmers Markets

Farmers markets connect local producers and consumers while creating opportunities for community engagement and access to locally produced foods. However, participation may be constrained by structural and financial barriers and shaped by relationships between consumers and vendors. This study examined how accessibility, affordability, and trust shape community participation in farmers markets through the perspectives of multiple stakeholder groups. Fifty-five semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with market visitors, farmers and vendors, market managers, and SNAP/WIC coordinators across eight farmers markets during 2025–2026. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings identified transportation difficulties, geographic distance, and operating schedules as barriers to access, although some visitors were willing to travel farther to obtain local produce and support their communities. Affordability reflected both financial constraints and perceived product value, with some consumers associating premium prices with freshness, quality, and familiarity with vendors. Community partnerships, financial incentives, and efforts to facilitate SNAP benefit use were identified as potential strategies for reducing financial barriers. Trust was associated with vendor familiarity, perceptions of responsible production practices, and direct consumer–vendor interactions. Overall, the findings suggest that farmers market participation is shaped by the interplay of practical accessibility, purchasing capacity, and relational experiences. Addressing structural and financial barriers while supporting information exchange and trusted consumer–vendor relationships may help foster more inclusive participation in local food systems.