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The following was submitted by the Winchester Farmers Market:
The Winchester Farmers Market kicks off its 18th season this coming Saturday, June 14.
From 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. every Saturday until the end of October, shoppers can find fresh fruits and vegetables from regional farms and a tantalizing array of baked goods, delicious prepared foods, and more. Talented local musicians make shopping days festive.
Market Manager Fred Yen is enthusiastic about this season.
“We have a variety of returning vendors, as well as new ones,” he says. “The market is a great incubator for start-up food businesses. My favorite example is Mamadou’s Artisan Bakery. Mamadou was just starting his bakery and was one of the first vendors to sign up for our market in 2008. We’re excited to welcome him back again this year.”
The heart of any farmers market is the produce from regional farms. Yen says we can look forward to seeing our local organic Wright-Locke Farm, and Lanni Orchards, both popular sources of mouth-watering fresh produce and fruits.
“This season we welcome Nalee’s Farm with an assortment of Asian greens,” Yen says. “Nalee’s will replace Song Yang of Flats Mentor Farm who is retiring.”
Flats Mentor Farm, located in Lancaster, Mass., provides plots of land for small immigrant and refugee farmers. It is a program of World Farmers.
“At a time when farms are being bought up for development, farmers markets are a way to support small farms,” Yen says. “This is critical for our local food system. Our farmers pick their produce the day before or even early the day of the market so shoppers have the freshest possible choices with optimal nutritional value.
Yen has a deep commitment to community, having been inspired by the local markets he visited in Europe many years ago. Loving the festive energy of gathering places that bring together people from all walks of life, he broached the idea here in Winchester.
As Yen tells it, more than 30 people came forward to help. He did an online search to get information about markets in our area and cold-called farmers. A few were willing to take a chance on this start-up in a small town with no track record. Lanni Orchards was one.
Yen fosters a community spirit by providing tents for the Chamber of Commerce, the Winchester Artists Network, and for town organizations.
Farmers Market patron Marianne DiBlasi values the market’s location on the Town Common as a beautiful space for the community to gather on Saturday mornings.
“Connecting with people in town and talking with vendors about their passion for what they grow or make is what draws me to the market,” she says. “In addition to supporting local businesses, it’s these shared moments and relationships that make the market a truly special and joyful experience.”
Food security is also a focus of the market. Anna’s Fund, established in 2019, provides $15 in Market tokens for residents of Winchester and Woburn who need help stretching their food dollars in the wake of federal and state cuts and increasing food prices.
The fund depends on individual donations and the support of local organizations and institutions. In addition, farmers and vendors donate surplus food at the end of the market day to two local food pantries.
The Winchester Farmers Market Community Hub is the parent organization for the Market and has an Advisory Committee that offers oversight and advice. Newly formed committees are working to enhance communications with the community and provide support for new vendors.
The market partners with PorchFest, which kicks off at noon on Saturday with a performance by Sounds Like Chicken.
“We are excited for this new season,” Yen says. “Come down and see what we have to offer in our 18th year!”
Click here for more information about the Winchester Farmers Market or email info@winchesterfarmersmarket.org.
