Farmers markets build a bridge to local farmers for healthier eating options

Faith Harrington, Standard-Times
·6 min read

Vegetables are in abundance and the fruit is ripe at local farmers markets across the SouthCoast. There is no better place to get fresh locally-grown produce than a farmers market that connects the community to area farmers.

“It’s important for people to understand where their food comes from and how it’s grown,” says Susan Murray, manager of the Dartmouth Farmers Market. “We have lost that connection over the years and the market brings the community back together with local farmers who bring you the freshest produce from your own backyard.”

Everyone benefits from local farming and supporting local agriculture keeps open space from being developed. “Once we have lost a farm to development, you can never get that land back,” said Murray.

The Dartmouth Farmers Market creates a connection between local farmers and the community.
The Dartmouth Farmers Market creates a connection between local farmers and the community.

Fridays through October visit the Dartmouth Farmers Market

Dartmouth Farmers Market is in its 17th year as a hot spot for locally-grown, raised, and crafted food with colorful tables full of products grown or produced in the SouthCoast.

Murray who also owns Flying Carrot Farm in Padanaram works with six other volunteers to bring sustainable agriculture, community connection, and local musicians and artisans to the Dartmouth Farmers Market.

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“The market creates a community vibe in a beautiful location,” Murray explains. “It’s a great way to bring healthier eating options to one place while supporting small businesses and keeping local money local.”

Fresh bakes goods, local produce, eggs, meats and more are at the Dartmouth Farmers Market.
Fresh bakes goods, local produce, eggs, meats and more are at the Dartmouth Farmers Market.

You will find everything from freshly dug up potatoes to just picked blueberries, farm fresh eggs, and meat to baked goods and cut flowers.  There are micro greens and mushrooms grown without pesticides, fresh cold-pressed juices, pasture-raised chickens, and a wide variety of vegetables to complete all your favorite recipes.  Each week the selection is different as are the vendors, some come every week while others come once a month.

Highlighting the creative side of the SouthCoast, the market hosts Art at the Market on the first Friday of each month. This brings artisans from all over the area together to showcase their craft whether it be handmade soap, crocheted projects, glass creations, or handcrafted jewelry there is something for everyone. There are also local musicians providing tunes throughout the market to make the event not just a shopping trip but a place to hang out and see all that the community has to offer.

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On the first Friday of the month its Art at the Market at Dartmouth Farmers Market.
On the first Friday of the month its Art at the Market at Dartmouth Farmers Market.

Rain or shine the Dartmouth Farmers Market is held from noon to 5 p.m. every Friday from June 2 to October 20 at the St. Mary's Parish Center Lawn, 789 Dartmouth St., South Dartmouth. There are weekly events and updates posted on their Facebook www.facebook.com/people/Dartmouth-Farmers-Market/100063706080818 or for more information contact info@dartmouthfarmersmarket.com.

Other local farmers markets to visit

Visit a local farmers market near you for healthy food options.
Visit a local farmers market near you for healthy food options.

For reasonably priced and locally-grown vegetables and fruits you can’t beat a farmers market.  Find one near you to get your fresh produce and support local farmers and community businesses. Here are some markets in the SouthCoast to visit:

New Bedford Farmers Market

New Bedford Farmers Market: 2 to 6 p.m. every Thursday until the end of October at Buttonwood Park on Buttonwood Street. There are a variety of fresh produce, giveaways, and often live music and cooking demos. They also accept SNAP and HIP benefits. For updated information on vendors and events visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newbedfordfarmersmarket. If you can’t make the market check out their mobile farm stand from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays at Brooklawn Park; 2 to 6 p.m. Fridays at Clasky Common Park. A virtual market with delivery or pick-up is also ordered at https://coastalfoodshed.localfoodmarketplace.com.

Fall River Farmers Market

Fall River Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint Anne’s Hospital, South Main Street/ Middle Street; 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays at HealthFirst Family Care Center, 387 Quarry St.; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Cardinal Medeiros Towers, 1197 Robeson St.; until Oct. 28. The market is a great place for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and community resources. They accept SNAP and HIP benefits, WIC and senior coupons. Weekly updates can be found on their Facebook at www.facebook.com/massinmotionFR.

Fairhaven Farmers Market

Fairhaven Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays until the end of October at 151 Alden Road. They have a host of produce, baked goods, meats, jams, freshly squeezed lemonade, and more. Senior and WIC Farmers Market Coupons and SNAP  are accepted by some vendors. Visit www.facebook.com/p/Fairhaven-Farmers-Market-100070454405840 for updated information.

Fairhaven’s Huttleston Marketplace

Fairhaven’s Huttleston Marketplace: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays until the end of September at the Fairhaven Visitors Center Lawn/Fairhaven High School Lawn,141 Main Street. Outdoor bazaar with vendors selling farm fresh produce, locally prepared foods, and handmade items. Some vendors accept WIC and Senior Coupons. For vendor listings and more visit www.facebook.com/HuttlestonMarketplace.

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Swansea's Stony Creek Farmers Market

Swansea's Stony Creek Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays until November at Stony Creek Farm, 1210 Wilbur Ave. Each week looks different at the farm with different vendors offering a variety of produce, meat, and even fresh seafood. They also have pony rides and a free petting zoo. Check out this week’s vendors at www.facebook.com/swanseafarmersmarket16.

Westport Farmers Market

Westport Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 7 at 856 Main Road. With a rotating cast of vendors, each week looks a little different, offering fresh produce, meat, pastries, baked goods, and crafts with live music. Their Instagram highlights are all at www.instagram.com/westportmafarmmarket.

Somerset Open Air Market

Somerset Open Air Market: Saturdays through Oct at 100 Newhill Avenue. A community gathering with some day events from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and some night events from 5 to 8 p.m. Different themes and times each week at the market bring you a variety of vendors centered around fresh local and handmade. To find out what's happening each week visit www.southcoastopenairmarket.com.

Tiverton Farmers Market

Tiverton Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays until November at Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Road. Connecting people to fresh produce, meat and seafood, vegan and vegetarian pre-made food, and more. Get information on local events and products, and listen to live music. To find out more visit www.facebook.com/TivertonFarmersMarket.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Southcoast farmers markets to check out