East Boston Farmers Market Kicks Off 2014 Season!

East Boston, MA, July 10, 2014—The East Boston Farmers Market, sponsored by the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC), celebrates its 2014 season opener on Thursday, July 10, in Lewis Mall, across from 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 and bread.

The market runs every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:30 pm through mid-October. 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 seventh year. This year’s market features produce from local farms including Farmer Dave’s, Asia Farm, and Apex Orchard, as well as fresh fish from Red’s Best and baked bread from Big Sky Bakery.

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). Often, Red’s Best will have whole-fish options available for purchase.

Katie Tong, the new Community Initiatives Coordinator at EBNHC, has been involved with the market since 2012 and has seen the market transition from Central to Maverick Square. “We are looking forward to our second season in Maverick Square. This is a place where our market can really grow; we can already see that happening. This season we are hosting a variety of new vendors, as well as some fun events, and we hope to see more East Boston residents there each week!”

The Farmers Market accepts cash as well as Senior Coupons, EBT, and WIC Farmers Market 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 31 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.

On Opening Day, July 10, the East Boston Farmers Market will also feature a variety of fun activities. Events include a cooking demonstration from Project Bread’s Chef Guy, nutrition tips and recipe samples from the UMass Extension program, and music from Zumix! Bring the family, and 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 at Facebook and Instagram.