Fresh strawberries from the 2023 season. (Photo courtesy Healthy Lincoln County)
It’s almost May and I know I am not alone in my anticipation of the opening days of our seasonal farmers markets. Whether your favorite is as big as the Portland Market in Deering Oaks, or as small as the market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, they all have the common thread of being community hubs, spaces to bump into friends, and joyful places to access food.
According to the Maine Federation of Farmers Markets website, there are close to 100 farmers markets across our state. In the spring, we go to the market to get seedlings and the first fresh veggies of the season. As the summer goes on, we go for bulk items to pickle or can. We get our staples there and treat ourselves to bouquets of flowers or a veggie we’ve never tried before. We go in the fall for apples, winter squash, and holiday gifts.
From the markets that stay open all year, we might get fresh vegetables in each of the seasons, as well as meats, cheeses, teas, and baked goods. To be able to purchase food directly from the growers and makers is a win for all involved. We get to know where our food comes from and support our neighbors who are doing the growing and making.
It is important to note that some Mainers are less likely to be able to shop at markets if they utilize state benefits for food shopping. On the Maine Calling episode from July 7, 2023, titled “The economic and cultural role of Maine’s farmers markets,” panelists shared that while there were, at the time, 44 Maine markets accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and participating in the incentive program, Maine Harvest Bucks, there are ongoing efforts to do better regarding socioeconomic status and accessibility at markets.
Farmers, partner organizations, and community members I have spoken with have echoed this sentiment. One way that accessibility is being increased is by offering those incentives, like Maine Harvest Bucks and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefit. Organizations like Maine Federation of Farmers Markets are the ones we can thank for running these programs, and it’s the individual markets and farmers we can thank for putting in the work to offer them!
Along with markets implementing Maine Harvest Bucks, some other special shopping programs your market might participate in include Vouchers for Veterans, Bumper Crop from Maine Federation of Farmers Markets, and the Maine Senior FarmShare Program.
Each market has its own unique energy and experience, and they all offer more than delicious food. Some might have gleaning efforts, youth vendor days, community art projects, and other programs organizers think up. Some have special events like music and demonstrations. SNAP-Ed might be at your market offering a Power of Produce program, and local non-profits might have a presence to share what they do. Our farmers markets offer us so much!
Here in Lincoln County, we have some excellent options to visit this market season, and we hope to see you out there. Check individual market websites for more details and opening days.
Damariscotta Farmers Market: Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon
Wiscasset Farmers Market: Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Boothbay Farmers Market: Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon
Pumpkin Vine Family Farm Farmers Market: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
