UPDATED Oct. 25: Arlington EATS earlier this year assumed management of the Arlington Farmers’ Market. Scroll down to see details about this transition.
The market — the season’s last — is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 6:30 p.m..
The market, at Russell Commons municipal parking lot, 29 Mystic St., is made up of vendors who offer a wide selection of locally grown and locally made products for sale. These include fruits and vegetables, baked goods, pasture-raised meats and sometimes even specialty knife-sharpening services.
Oct. 25 weekly farmers’ market newsletter reports:
|
|
Thank you for a fantastic seasonWith this beautiful weather, it’s hard to believe winter is just around the corner. Today is the last day of the season for the Arlington Farmers’ Market – last call for stocking up on your locally grown and produced favorites here in Arlington! We’ll be in the Russell Commons lot in Arlington Center from 2pm until 6:30pm. Thank you for making the 27th season of the Arlington Farmers’ Market a success! Love shopping local? Look for winter farmers’ markets in Somerville, Harvard Square, and Lexington.
|
|
|
Patsy Kraemer, who managed the farmers’ market for many years, is now semiretired, according to EATS’ Executive Director Andi Doane.
“She has been working with EATS to transfer all the behind-the-scenes administrative duties to us but will be at most of the farmers’ markets [sessions] this summer. We plan to keep her involved as long as she is willing.”
Many vendors from past years have returned for this, the 27th season of the farmers’ market, Doane said; these vendors grow their own produce and prepare their own products according to best practices to provide healthy products and a healthy environment. All products are grown or raised on the vendors’ farms or sourced locally, so every purchase directly supports the local economy and local food system, accordingto Doane.
Some specialty vendors make occasional appearances; for example, whenever possible, Venier Forge will be available for knife sharpening.
EATS first partnered with the farmers’ market during the 2021 season through the Fresh Bucks program, which provides vouchers for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients that can be used at most vendors. Fresh Bucks not only provide access to fresh, local foods, but they also provide access to a shared community experience; neighbors can shop together, regardless of income.
EATS unites those struggling with food access and those concerned with food justice by offering accessible programs for each member of the community, according to its website.
Many farmers’ market vendors accept SNAP and WIC/Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons. SNAP users can earn additional benefits through the Healthy Incentives Program, or HIP, by shopping at the farmers’ market.
Managing the farmers’ market and providing more access to fresh local food through SNAP benefits and Fresh Bucks is one of the ways EATS says that it is fulfilling its mission.
Visit arlingtonfarmersmarket.org to learn more about how it is being managed by Arlington EATS.
This news announcement was significantly updated Friday, March 19, 2023, and then updated weekly, most recently Oct. 25.
