Melrose Farmers’ Market Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

The Melrose Farmers’ Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week at their market on Thursday, August 9, 2018. This week’s market will feature fresh fruits and vegetables from four farms, as well as baked goods, pasta, coffee, honey, syrup, fish and meat. This week’s musician is Frank Drake who will play his “Americana” collection. The market also includes kids yoga by Joy Yoga, the much-loved “Club Sprouts” children’s program and three artisans: Brookyn James, Crosscut Sewing Company and Ugly Baby Soap.

As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer. According to statistics recently released by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products . This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches.

The Melrose Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 25th anniversary and encourages community involvement with themed event days. Mark your calendar for Fit Life at the Market on August 23rd and Senior Day on September 27th. The Market is also hosting its first Farm to Table Fundraiser at Mt. Hood on September 15, 2018. Starting August 9th, tickets can be purchased on the website: https://melrosefarmersmarket.org/ or at the Market Table.

The market accepts SNAP cards, as well as WIC and Senior Coupons. The popular SNAP matching program is made possible by sponsorships from three local banks, Melrose Bank, Eastern Bank and Northern Bank.

“We’re thrilled to recognize National Farmers’ Market Week,” says Market Manager Julie Unger, “Melrose residents come out in force each week to buy locally grown and produced foods and to enjoy the spirit of community. We’re pleased to see so many people adopting a healthy lifestyle and walking and biking to the Market too!”

The mission of the Melrose Farmers’ Market, a non-profit organization, is to provide all Melrose-area residents with the opportunity to buy and learn about nutritious, locally grown and produced foods. The Market promotes local farms, organizations and businesses and builds community while contributing to a sustainable future.

From June through October, the Market provides fresh, in-season vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, bread, and food grown and produced by Massachusetts farms, bakeries, and other food producers. The Market is held at Bowen Park on Thursdays from 2:00 – 7:00. New this year, the Market sponsors a Saturday “pop-up” at the YMCA on Main Street from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.