03/04/2026
Public Statement from Laurie LaShomb
Former Manager, Mother Road Farmers Market
As the City of Winslow transitions the Farmers Market to a new nonprofit structure, I want to take a moment to publicly reflect on what this market has meant — and why it matters so deeply to me, to our vendors, and to our community.
I am incredibly proud of what we built together.
In just a short period of time, the Mother Road Farmers Market grew into a vibrant, welcoming, and widely recognized community hub. We were honored to be voted Arizona’s Favorite Farmers Market, expanded access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food, and created real economic opportunity for local growers, food producers, and artisans — many of whom were launching or sustaining small businesses for the first time.
This market was never just about shopping.
It was about food access, food dignity, and community connection.
We worked intentionally to ensure that everyone — regardless of income — could bring home high-quality, Arizona-grown food. Through nutrition incentive programs, affordable pricing, and hands-on outreach, we met people where they were and made healthy food attainable, not aspirational.
I also want to highlight the incredible work done by our vendors, who showed up week after week with heart, hustle, and generosity. You are the soul of this market. Watching your businesses grow, your confidence build, and your relationships with customers deepen has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life.
On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for the experience Isabella, Monique and I shared running this market together. We learned, adapted, solved problems in real time, and poured ourselves into creating something meaningful for Winslow. That kind of work leaves a mark — and I will always be proud of it.
While I am disappointed that the City chose not to continue operating the Farmers Market directly, I remain steadfast in my belief that the market’s impact speaks for itself. Programs like this are not expenses — they are investments in public health, local economies, and community resilience. Winslow deserves continued leadership that recognizes and protects that value.
I sincerely hope the new 501(c)(3) is supported in carrying this mission forward, because the people of Winslow deserve ongoing access to fresh food, thriving local businesses, and community spaces that bring us together. The leadership group putting it together has some familiar faces, and ones that I know are deeply committed to keeping the Farmers Market moving forward for the community.
Thank you to every vendor, customer, volunteer, musician, staff member, and supporter who made the Mother Road Farmers Market what it became. What we built mattered — and it always will.
With gratitude and pride,
Laurie LaShomb
