by Dyanna Smith, Seacoast Growers Association (SGA)
Get ready for the freshest local produce, prepared foods and beautiful handmade goods to return in June with the start of the Seacoast Growers Association’s Durham and Dover Farmers’ Markets.
Monday, June 1, the Durham Farmers’ Market opens in its location at Jackson Landing across from Churchill Rink. The market will run every Monday, rain or shine, from 2:15-6pm until October 5.
Wednesday, June 3, the Dover Farmers’ Market starts up again in the Chamber of Commerce lot at the corner of Central Avenue and 6th Street. The Dover Farmers’ Market will be open every Wednesday from 2:15-6pm until October 7.
This season, Seacoast Eat Local adds SNAP/EBT services to the Seacoast Growers’ Association’s Durham Farmers’ Market. The program, enables low income customers to use their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to buy locally grown foods directly from the farmers and food producers at the farmers markets.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Seacoast Growers Association to bring our SNAP/EBT farmers market program to the Durham market this summer,” Sara Zoe Patterson, Board Chair for Seacoast Eat Local, explains. “Our community’s health is improved when customers buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and it benefits the economic viability of local farms.”
Market customers can also take advantage of the debit service, which acts like an onsite ATM, adding another layer of convenience to the farmers’ market experience.
Find out what’s in season, who will be at market, and what products are available by visiting the SGA website at www.seacoastgrowers.org. Interactive market maps and a product search feature help plan ahead for weekly shopping. To find out about musical guests and special events, check out the home page calendar or sign up to receive the weekly farmers’ market email newsletter.
The Seacoast Growers Association manages four area outdoor farmers’ markets in Portsmouth, Exeter, Durham and Dover. All markets welcome SNAP/EBT customers.