Call it the little farmers market that could: Despite having to scale some hefty hurdles, the Greenport Farmers Market is set to open again on May 24 for its fourth season.
According to the market’s founder, Lara McNeil, there were some challenges in the months leading up to the launch, including the loss of several vendors to “changes in business plans and to other recently launched North Fork farmers markets.”
However, the organizers and core vendors remain “dedicated to following our organization’s mission to create a place to educate, connect and support communities, agriculture and aquaculture,” she said.
“We had to do some soul searching this spring about the future of our project given the decrease in vendor interest,” said McNeil. “We realize that we might not have a location with the best foot and auto traffic, but we believe that maintaining a market within the walk-able village is important to the community.”
Although smaller than in past years, the Greenport Farmers Market will continue to set up shop in the 1st street lot of the United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, on Memorial Day through Columbus Day Weekends.
The market will continue to offer locally grown and produced produce, poultry, eggs, shellfish, cheese, bread, wine, preserves, and other goodies.
The market has also scheduled several local chefs throughout the season to demonstrate tasty and innovative ways to prepare these local products.
In adddition, the GFM Kids’ Club will also continue a popular “Cooking with Kids”, on the last Saturday of each month. Other activities aimed at engaging children in healthy eating will also be held during the season.
“These events hosted over 50 children in the height of the summer last year,” McNeil said. “This is what it’s all about: the connection between farmers, food, and the community who are building long-lasting relationships.”
The Greenport Farmers Market accepts EBT/SNAP cards; several vendors accept the Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers given to local WIC families and seniors. For more information please contact info@greenportfarmersmarket.com or click here.
In recent months, a pilot program for a popular indoor farmers market in Riverhead led to plans to hold the market outside during summer months. And in Mattituck, a Friday farmers market held its grand opening two weeks ago.
