05-19-2010

Countdown to 2010 Summer Markets

2010 BookmarksThe Springtime Farmers Market in Pawtucket is lively with young greens, herbs, cheese, bread, eggs and meats. With only two weeks to go – Saturdays 11-2 through the end of May – naturally our thoughts are turning to summer.

On farms all around Rhode Island, farmers are busy laying the groundwork for a delicious summer. Asparagus is springing up and peas that were directly seeded in the ground are weaving along trellises. Kale and lettuce seedlings are making the journey from greenhouses to the field. Basil and tomato seedlings will wait inside for a bit longer. We’ve been extraordinarily lucky to escape frosts so far this May, but it’s still a little cool for their liking.

While farmers having been busy planting food, we’ve been busy planting EBT machines at more farmers market across RI. With more than 1 out of every 8 Americans relying on SNAP to feed their families in this tough economy, we’re thrilled that SNAP customers can now shop for fresh, healthy foods at 18 markets across the Ocean States. When SNAP dollars get spent at local farmers markets, it’s a big win for both farmers and eaters.

Thanks to our partnership with Wholesome Wave and your generous donations, Farm Fresh RI will continue doubling SNAP up to $5 Bonus Bucks per day at our markets in Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket this summer.

Some RI summer markets open in May, but we wait for the weather and harvest to ripen a bit more. Here are the Farm Fresh RI markets that will be popping up in Providence in June and beyond:

  • Armory – Thursday 6/3
    welcome to new vendors: Farmacy Herbs, Mixed Grille Catering, Nonquit Salad Farm
  • Downtown – Friday 6/4
    welcome to new vendors: Absalona Greenhouse, Blue State Coffee, Stirring Spoon, Virginia & Spanish Peanut Co.
  • Hope St. / Lippitt Park – Saturday 6/5
    welcome to new vendors: Aquidneck Farms, Cupcakerie, Harmony Hill Farm, Olga’s Cup & Saucer, Purple Pear, Xiong Farm
  • Coming in July: Broad St., Pawtucket / Slater Mill, Woonsocket
  • Coming in September: Brown

Our 2010 RI Farmers Market bookmarks are arriving from the printer this week. Pictured above, we have 4 editions this year: Northern RI; West Bay + South County; East Bay + Aquidneck + Sakonnet; and the Providence area (English and Spanish). They’re good for your wallet or the fridge and are an easy way to keep track of farmers markets in your area throughout the summer. Find the bookmarks at farmers markets, restaurants that buy local, visitor centers and other community spots.

There’s also still time to sign up for a CSA, a weekly subscription to a farm’s veggies. Try it out!