The following press release was submitted by Andover Farmers Market. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Andover News.
Following the overwhelming success of the first annual Andover Holiday Market, Andover Farmers Market (AFM) is actively planning for its 2024 season which opens on Saturday, June 15th. Over 40,000 people have shopped at the market since it moved to South Church in 2020 and the market continues to grow.
The producer-only market has already signed up a record-breaking forty-eight vendors (so far) and six community partners. Vendors include three local farms that will be at the market every week, along with locally produced mushrooms and honey. You will also find fresh cut flowers, sustainably caught fish and meat, eggs, and baked goods every week. AFM is excited to welcome new and returning prepared food vendors including cold brew coffee and empanadas. The market also features a rotating selection of local artisans and the Town of Andover will be joining the market featuring a different department each week.
As a federally licensed farmers market, SNAP recipients can buy any eligible food at the market. To increase purchasing power for shoppers using SNAP, we double shopper’s SNAP dollars up to $25/week, giving people $50 to buy eligible food when they spend $25. SNAP recipients can stop by the Information Table at the entrance before shopping. Other nutrition benefits supported by various vendors at the market include WIC, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and HIP (Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentive Program). Seventy-one new SNAP recipients used their benefits at the market in 2023 and we continue to advertise and highlight the SNAP match program.
Community Partners are integral to the market. Local organizations whose missions align with AFM’s are invited to participate in the market without any fees. While at the market, they can promote their cause to the hundreds of weekly visitors, many of whom are their target audience. Sidney’s Rainbows, one of several community partners returning this season, provides children’s programming most Saturdays.
The market is excited to introduce themes each week throughout the season to bring together the community and allow us to learn and celebrate together. Themes include celebrating National Pollinator Week and National Farmers Market Week. A full list of themes is available on our social media sites and will be available on our website. The themes are also available as Facebook Events on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/andoverfarmersmarket)
To learn more about the vendors, community partners, music, and schedule go to AndoverFarmersMarket.com. We cannot wait to see you again and we think that Jenn Gould, owner of bakeshop Little Crumby says it best “I cannot express how important the Andover Farmers Market has been to my little business… In addition to working with other vendors, it’s been so lovely getting to know so many of my AFM customers on a more personal level. I am so excited to see what this season has in store for us, and even more excited to be outside with you all again! Let’s hope we don’t need an umbrella as much?”
Sponsorships are available for businesses and organizations that want to join this vibrant community. Information about sponsorships is available on our website.
The market is hosted by South Church in their parking lot at 41 Central Street in Andover and runs every Saturday rain or shine, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, through October 15.
About Andover Farmers Market
WHEN: Saturdays, June 15 – October 12, 2024, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
WHERE: 41 Central Street Andover, South Church parking lot
Scheduled Full Season Vendors as of April 26:
Daisy Jane’s Flowers; Farmer Dave’s; Gaouette Family Farm; Grassy Roots; Lowe’s Donuts; Nallie’s Pastures; Pleasant Valley Gardens; Purple Carrot Bread Co.; Red’s Best / Bluefin; Tewksbury Honey; The Town of Andover Scheduled Part Time Vendors as of April 26: participating in anywhere from 2 – 17 markets: Beadorable; Blisspoint Meadery; Buff Cake Barkery; Café El Camino; Castle Cookies, LLC; Craic Sauce; Cultivate Cleaner; Designs by Neili; Essex County Mushroom Farm; Fiora Soap Co.; GGs Studio Designs; Home Sweet Home Candles; Khipi Prepared Foods; Little Crumby Bakeshop; liz kinder ceramics; Lola & Bean Co; Lovely Essence; LunaMae Creations; Magic Circle Crochet Arts; Marble Ridge Winery; Masshole Biscuit Co; Meesh Pottery; Mei Mei Dumplings; Mocha Connection; Olivette’s Yarn; ‘Ono Shave Ice, LLC; Pinch, Dab, Dash; Pots by Talia; Rejuvelate; Rooted Body Co; Silver Labyrinth Design; Soul Sentiments; Sweet Knots by Brenda; Syd’s Sips; The Cogitation Zone; The Merrimack Company; Unpacked Living; Whisk You Away Bakery Scheduled Community Partners as of April 26: Andover Cultural Council, Andover Pollinator Pathway; Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.); Bread & Roses; Sidney’s Rainbows; Sweet Paws Rescue
Andover Farmers Market’s Mission is to be a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans, and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind, and spirit.