DEM: Bounty of Produce Available at Local Farmer Markets

Along with the arrival of autumn on Friday is an abundance of locally-grown fall produce that is available for purchase at farmers’ markets and roadside stands throughout the state. 

From now through late October, farmers’ markets in state parks and facilities managed by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will offer consumers a wide assortment of freshly-grown produce.

Among items currently in peak supply are apples, tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, squash and potatoes. 

Freshly-harvested local lobsters, in addition to native fruits and vegetables and home-baked goods, are available at the State Pier Nine farmers’ market.

The Pier Nine farmers' market is also the pick-up site for a community supported fishery program operated by Ocean State Fresh (www.oceanstatefresh.com). Shoppers can validate their parking tickets inside the Newport Visitors Center, 23 America's Cup Ave., for a free half-hour of parking at the center.

DEM operates nine farmers' markets in state parks and state facilities throughout Rhode Island. Their hours of operation are as follows:

• Fishermens' Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Johnston Farmers’ Market at Memorial Park on Route 6 (Hartford Avenue), Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Blackstone River Visitor Center Farmers’ Market on Rt. 295 North in Lincoln, Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Haines Memorial State Park Farmers' Market on Route 103 on the East Providence/Barrington line, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Capitol Hill Farmers’ Market in Providence, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through September 29

• Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Warwick, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Pastore Complex Farmers’ Market in Cranston, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through September 30

• State Pier Nine Farmers’ Market in Newport, Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m.

• Colt State Park Farmers' Market in Bristol, Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m.

DEM Farmers' Markets accept farmers' market checks from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) administered by the Department of Health. The successful Senior Farmers' Nutrition Program administered by DEM is also being offered this year, with coupons available at senior centers throughout the state.