Organic Products Sold at RVC Farmers Market

The parking lot of the looked more like a street fair on Sunday afternoon.

Vendors from around Long Island set up tents looking to sell goods and get their name out in a laid-back, community-oriented setting. It was all part of the Long Island Farmers Market, an afternoon of local commerce running on Sundays throughout April (with the exception of April 8, Easter Sunday).

“This has been kind of like a lab for me,” Nina Lombardo of Nina’s Baking Happiness said. “I just got started, so I get to talk to people and get feedback. I’m able to speak directly with the consumer. If you sell to a store, you only get to speak with the proprietor of the store, so this is great.”

Operating out of Northport, Lombardo sells granola, cookies and marshmallows. She was hardly the only upstart at the market. 

Mother-daughter team Danielle and Jaimie Garrison brought their homemade hummus, sold online at hummushummus.com, as well as at Farmers Markets around Long Island. The Garrisons started the business six months ago. 

Not only do many of the vendors enjoy interacting with the customers, but also with fellow sellers.

“The people who sell here are great,” The Burning Chef’s Nick Chango said. “There’s a real camaraderie (here). Everybody helps everybody. It’s a good way to do business, especially if you’re just starting (out).”

After leaving his job as a chef, Chango started selling homemade sauces, jams and mustards. Like most at the market, he prides himself on the unique nature of his product.  

“The shoppers at these markets are very open to trying new things,” Chango said. “They’re looking for better stuff than they can get in their grocery store. I think there’s a general belief that you can get that stuff at these types of markets. It’s going to be fresh and homemade.”   

Standing next to Chango was Bill Prestia, a soap maker who operates Clean Essence. He also uses the organic ingredients in his products as a major selling point. 

“I don’t use anything that’s unnatural, nothing that’s made in a laboratory,” Prestia said. “It’s all made in my garage that I converted into a soap factory.”   

Human beings were not the only ones who could enjoy items bought at the market. Mindy Abbruzzese, owner of Little Lexi’s Barkery, came to the lot to sell her brand of home-baked dog treats. 

“My product has taken off,” Abbruzzese said. “It’s really healthy. I use as many fresh vegetables as I can.” 

The Long Island Farmers Market will be back in the Central Synagogue of Nassau County parking lot on April 15 from 12 p.m. - 4p.m.