East Boston Farmers Market Kicks Off 2013 Season!

East Boston, MA, July 5, 2013—The East Boston Farmers Market, sponsored by the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC), celebrates its 2013 season opener on Thursday, July 11 in a new location: Lewis Mall, behind the Maverick T station on Sumner Street in East Boston. Market-goers can look forward to a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs from Massachusetts farms, as well as fresh fish.

The market runs every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:30 pm through October 17. Launched in 2008 by the Let’s Get Movin’ program at EBNHC as a community-based initiative to increase access to fresh healthy food in East Boston, the market is in its sixth year. This year’s market features produce from local farms including Farmer Dave’s, Nagog Hill, and Asia Farm, as well as fresh fish from Red’s Best.

All products at the market are grown or produced in Massachusetts and market vendors bring products that reflect the diversity of the East Boston community. In addition to traditional seasonal New England produce such as lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, corn, and, strawberries, there are also products popular with the Central and South American community, such as chipilín, cilantro, yierba mora, amaranth, and cranberry beans (cargamantos).

Alison Smizer, Community Initiatives Coordinator at EBNHC, has been involved with the market since 2008 and has seen the market transform into a vibrant gathering place over the years. “We are very excited about our big move to Maverick Square! Our new space is in a more central location and is steps away from the T and a number of city buses. Even more members of the East Boston community will be able to access our market easily.” Samantha McCarty, Program Leader at EBNHC’s Let’s Get Movin’program, agrees. “We believe the proximity to Maverick Square will increase access to local foods for more people in our neighborhoods.”

The Farmers Market accepts cash as well as Senior Coupons, EBT, and WIC (Farmers Market and Fruit and Vegetable Checks). Shoppers can use their EBT cards to “double” their money, receiving up to $10 in free produce.

The Farmers Market will partner with the East Boston WIC for a one-day-only Farmers Market check distribution event at the July 11 market. On that day, WIC participants ages 6 months and older can receive Farmers Market checks beginning at 3:00 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

The July 11 Farmers Market will also feature the UMass Extension program and NOAH (Neighborhood of Affordable Housing) with cooking and recycling demonstrations! Come join us for fun and tasty times!

More information about the East Boston Farmers Market, as well as an updated listing of upcoming events, can be found on EBNHC’s website, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital part of the community for more than 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop. EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.