The news of Tamara Murphy’s sudden passing last week hit us hard at the Neighborhood Farmers Markets. She was a vital champion for our mission and we will be forever grateful for her relentless commitment to highlighting local producers, her vision for the Good Farmer Fund, and for her friendship and inspiration.

Relentless Commitment

If you search our office files at the Neighborhood Farmers Markets, Tamara Murphy’s name shows up consistently: shorthand notes from the first Incredible Feast in 2005, recipes highlighting beloved farms during her first cookbook release, and photos – so many photos of Tamara in action.

“Tamara was our first Chef in Residence at the University District Farmers Market,” recalls NFM founder Chris Curtis. “She showed up 4 weeks in a row and dazzled market shoppers with her creative ideas for cooking in-season.”

Tamara didn’t just show up for the limelight, though. She built ground-breaking and personal relationships with farmers, often redirecting the credit to them and educating her followers on the realities of farming.

The Good Farmer Fund

An intimate understanding of the challenges that farmers faced led Tamara to develop the concept for the Good Farmer Fund. Since 2008, the Good Farmer Fund has provided emergency financial relief for producers facing a sudden crisis. Tamara understood that to be a farmer meant gambling on the future every year, and that one accident, fire, or flood could make or break an entire season.

Since its inception, the Good Farmer Fund has awarded $790,000 to the farmers and producers who are part of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets. To support the fund, Tamara also launched our longtime fundraiser An Incredible Feast - an enduring testament to the fact that Tamara also knew how to throw a great party!

Friendship & Inspiration

Tamara is remembered at the Neighborhood Farmers Markets for her smile, her real-talk, and ferocity for doing good work. She made a difference for local producers like Foraged & Found Edibles, “All I can say is thank you Tamara. For believing in so many of us and inspiring us all.” Echoing similar sentiments, Ryan Lichtenegger at Steel Wheel Farm said:

“Partnering with Tamera [at An Incredible Feast] inspired me to keep farming and building relationships with amazing chefs like her.”

We are forever grateful for Tamara and for her partner Linda di Lello-Morton’s belief and support. Tamara’s story doesn’t end here. In addition to her selfless gift of organ donation at the end of her life, anyone working in local food or Seattle kitchens will be living Tamara’s sequel in some way.

Thank you for leading us here Tamara. We love you.