The outdoor growing season may be coming to a close, but Winter Farmers’ Markets are just getting started. Seacoast Eat Local has been busy pulling together some of the best farmers, fishermen and chefs of the Seacoast to bring you the seventh winter market season. Those that have come to the markets before know that not only is there still plenty of great local food available, but there is far more diversity and abundance than you might expect all winter long.
The first market of the season will be hosted by Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford on November 23rd from 10am to 2pm. Come stock your pantry and prepare for holiday meals with all the fixings, including greens, apples, breads, pies, carrots, potatoes, local meats and eggs, just to name a few items. With over 50 vendors, there is plenty to see and plenty of delicious food to check off your shopping list! The markets run from November through April — seven of the markets are hosted at Wentworth Greenhouses, while five more markets take place at Exeter High School, all markets run on Saturdays from 10 to 2.
“Every year is a little different,” said Kate Donald, Market Coordinator for Seacoast Eat Local, “but the excitement and anticipation for the first market is always energizing. We see so many familiar faces, friends and family coming together with farmers and vendors they enjoyed supporting through the summer. The market provides the perfect opportunity for the local community to find high quality nutritious local food options year round, while continuing to support and grow the local agricultural economy.”
This year there are even more farmers, fishemen and food purveyors serving up affordable and tasty local foods to the seacoast community. Add to that list, the kids’ activities, educational cooking demos, craft vendors hosted by Wentworth Greenhouse and live music by NH musicians and you have a market worth the drive that will have you coming back for more every time. To find out more about the market locations, dates and available items visit www.seacoasteatlocal.org and the Winter Farmers’ Market page. Don’t forget to sign up for the e-newsletter to stay up to date with all the market happenings and local food news.
The Winter Farmers’ Markets accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). This program enables SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards to purchase healthy, fresh, and locally produced food. The Winter Farmers’ Market SNAP/EBT program offers fresh vegetables, meats, milk and cheese, honey, breads, and baked products. Customers who use their SNAP/EBT card will receive up to an additional $10 in free Market Match to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. You can now even use your debit card to buy market tokens, accepted by all of the vendors.
Seacoast Eat Local’s Winter Farmers Markets are sponsored by Wentworth Greenhouses, Exeter Hospital, and Moxy, sponsoring this year’s cooking demonstration series.