The following is a news release that does not necessarily reflect the views of Andover News.
The Andover Farmers Market will open for its 18th season on June 15th with over 30 farms, food vendors, artisans, and community partners in attendance. It is held each Saturday at South Church in Andover from 9am – 1pm. 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.
The producer-only market is based on five pillars – improving health, combating food insecurity, building community, supporting the local economy, and environmental sustainability. Every activity at the Market supports one of these goals. Over the winter, the Market launched an online campaign to promote why it is so important to support farmers markets and will continue this education throughout the season. As examples, smaller farmers keep over 90 cents on the dollar when selling direct to consumers versus approximately 14 cents when selling products to box stores (according to the National Farmers Union). Additionally, dollars spent locally are three times more likely to stay in the community, creating benefits for everyone living in the area.
To combat food insecurity, Andover Farmers Market will partner with Bread & Roses and the Village Food Hub this season to collect food for the local community. The Market will also continue its outreach to SNAP recipients. As a federally licensed farmers market, SNAP recipients can buy eligible food at Andover Farmers Market. To increase purchasing power for shoppers using SNAP, Andover Farmers Market doubles shoppers SNAP dollars up to $25/week, giving people up to $50 to buy eligible food. SNAP recipients can stop by the Information Table at the entrance before shopping or visit the Market’s website for additional information. Other nutrition benefits supported by select vendors at the Market include WIC, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and HIP (Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentive Program).
Community Partners help fulfill the Andover Farmers Market goals in various ways. Local organizations whose missions align with AFM’s are invited to participate in the market without any fees. Sidney’s Rainbows, one of several community partners returning this season, provides children’s programming most Saturdays while organizations like the Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.) and the Shawsheen River Watershed Association support our goals of improving the environment. Community Partners will also be integral to the themes introduced each week this summer. The Market is also grateful for its partnership with the Merrimack Valley Community Music School which organizes live music each week. The music is generously sponsored by the Andover Cultural Council, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Janz Medical Supply amongst others.
And, of course, a farmers’ market is not a market without all of the fresh produce, food, flowers, honey, and local crafts. Andover Farmers Market has an exciting mix of returning and new vendors this season! Make a plan to “Meet Us at the Market” on Saturday, June 15th, and every Saturday throughout the season, rain or shine.
To learn more about the vendors, community partners, music, activities, and schedule visit AndoverFarmersMarket.com and our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.Sponsorships are also available for businesses and organizations that want to join this vibrant community. Information about sponsorships is available on our website.
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 June 5: Daisy Jane’s Flowers; Essex County Mushroom Farm; Farmer Dave’s; Gaouette Family Farm; Grassy Roots; Liberty Hill Farm; Lowe’s Donuts; Nallie Pastures; Pleasant Valley Gardens; Purple Carrot Bread Co.; Bluefin /Red’s Best; Tewksbury Honey; The Town of Andover
Scheduled Part Time Vendors as of June 5: 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; 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; 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 June 5: Andover Cultural Council, Andover Pollinator Pathway; Andover Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.); Bread & Roses; North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth (NAGLY); Shawsheen River Watershed Association; Sidney’s Rainbows; Sweet Paws Rescue; Village Food Hub
Learn more at