MILWAUKEE -- A growing number of indoor winter farmers markets are being held in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.

There were three during the winter of 2003-2004. Now, there are about 50.

The markets give farmers a direct outlet for their goods until outdoor markets reopen in the spring.

The farmers are asked to donate 10 percent of their proceeds from the markets to the Harvest of Hope. That's an emergency fund run by the Madison Christian Community to help farm families get through financial difficulties.

Don Wambles, president of the national Farmers Market Coalition, said there are increasing efforts around the nation to hold farmers markets during the winter, but he's not aware of any others that seek to combine that concept with helping farmers in need.