Since 1992
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MADISON — The farmers’ market is making a bold move this year in an effort to better meet the needs of the communities of Madison and Anson. Beginning May 13 and running through October 14, the market will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine, continuing to set up at Main Street Park, directly across the street from Skowhegan Savings Bank.
The Madison Farmers’ Market is a unique 20-mile-market whose farmers are all producing food and local products within 20 miles of the city. Now in it’s fifth season, the market has grown to 12 with the addition of two new vendors — Steelbow Farm and S&S Kid Farm ─ both of Norridgewock. A variety of locally-produced vegetables, meats, baked goods, eggs and cheeses, honey and beeswax products can be found at the market, along with seedlings, local artisan craftsmanship and more. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and credit cards; additionally, the Madison Farmers’ Market participates in the Maine Harvest Bucks program in order to offer bonus fruits and vegetables to shoppers using SNAP/EBT cards─doubling their purchasing power.
“We have a wonderfully eclectic group at the Madison Farmers’ Market — friendly, knowledgeable and family-oriented,” says market manager Samantha Burns. “Over the last few years we’ve seen a growing community in Madison. Every year, more and more locals are making the farmers’ market a weekly habit. It’s an inspiring thing to be a part of, both for the farmers and for those who come to the market; we hope this year’s changes will encourage more folks to give the market a try.”
To further arouse enthusiasm for fresh local foods and inspire a new generation of market-shoppers, this year the Madison Farmers’ Market is launching a new Kid’s Club program. Children ages two to 12 can visit the market accompanied by a parent to receive their “passport” to the farmers’ market. Every week the market will host specially-themed activities encouraging interaction with their local farmers. Each week the child comes to market he/she will receive a stamp on their “Passport.”
Children who attend a minimum of 10 markets will receive a $2 token they can use to buy a healthy treat of their choosing from the farmers. The program begins on June 3, runs 15 weeks through summer vacation, and culminates on September 9 with the market’s annual Harvest Celebration.
The Madison Farmers’ Market Kid’s Club is sponsored by Backyard Farms of Madison, who fully funded the program. Jim Darroch, director of marketing at Backyard Farms says, “Teaching children to develop healthy eating habits can be challenging for busy parents. Especially if their kids are picky eaters or reluctant to try new things. Not only does this passport idea make it fun for kids to try different fruits and vegetables, it makes it easier for Mom or Dad, too.”
Follow along with the Madison Farmers’ Market on facebook for regular updates all season long. For a listing of participating vendors and other information, please go to madisonfarmers.com.
