Farmers markets are some of the best places to find just-picked produce and meet the farmer who grew it. They are important sources of income for farmers and help sustain New Jersey’s agriculture industry. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products can go a long way to improving overall health. Eating locally grown produce is also a good choice for protecting our environment by reducing fuel consumption in the transportation of the produce. In addition, choosing locally grown products helps keep New Jersey farmers on their land, preserving the Garden State’s quality of life.
There are approximately 150 community farmers markets throughout New Jersey providing access to healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Farmers who attend these markets sell produce they’ve picked within 24 hours of sale to ensure the best taste and highest quality. Many of the farmers accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers and SNAP food stamp electronic benefit cards which provide purchasing assistance to those in need.
There are many farmers markets open throughout the spring, summer and fall months in our local area. Stop by some of these markets to enjoy the freshly picked Jersey fruits and vegetables.
Chatham Farmer’s Market
Chatham Borough is kicking off its 11th season of providing Jersey Fresh produce! The market will be open from 8:00am to 1:00pm every Saturday from June 17 through November 18, 2017 at RR Plaza South off Fairmount Ave.
You will find locally harvested fresh fruits and vegetables as well as locally sourced meat and dairy products. Organic produce will be featured as well as prepared food and farm related products to provide greater choices for healthy living.
Madison Farmer’s Market
The Madison Farmers Market will be celebrating its 25th season in 2017! The market is open every Thursday from 2:00pm – 7:00pm between June 1 and October 26, 2017. The market is located on Central Avenue between Main Street and Cook Avenue.
From opening day on June 1 to the final market on October 26, you will find the freshest, most delicious foods a market can offer! Enjoy the fruits, vegetables, nuts, pickles, oils and vinegars, baked goods, soaps, wines and much more.
Maplewood Farmer’s Market
The Township of Maplewood is sponsoring the 23rd season of the Maplewood Farmers Market starting Monday, June 5, 2017 until November 20, 2017. The market will be moving from the Indiana Street Municipal parking lot to 1848-1852 Springfield Avenue between Yale & Oberlin Streets. The hours of operations will be every Monday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Find Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, pickles and olives, breads, pastries, preserves, and cheeses. There will also be prepared foods like steaks, burgers, crab cakes, gluten-free meals for “on the go” and olive oils!
Millburn Farmer’s Market
Enjoy the freshness of the 25th season of the Millburn Farmers Market. The market is held at the corner of Main St. & Essex St. in downtown Millburn on Tuesdays from June 2nd through October 31, 2017 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. USDA Certified Organic products are available.
Here you will find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods, frozen foods, eggs, meat, poultry, olive oils, vinegars, spices, honey, jam, pickles, dried fruits and nuts. You can also have your knives sharpened while you wait!
Montclair Farmer’s Market
Montclair was one of the first towns in New Jersey to host a farmers market. This year, the season begins June 3 and runs through November 18, 2017. The market is open every Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm at the Walnut Street Train Station. Free parking is available across the tracks.
The market sites are community gathering spots for thousands of visitors each season. You will find vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, fish, cheese, prepared foods, baked goods, condiments, honey, wine, pickles, and flowers. And to make it even more enticing, food trucks will be at the market!
South Orange Farmer’s Market
The 26th annual South Orange farmers market will be held June 7 – October 25, 2017. The market takes place in Lot 9 at Sloan St. & First St. (across from the NJ Transit station) on Wednesdays from 2:00pm – 7:00pm.
A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will be available. Eggs, milk, baked goods, local honey, nuts, pickles, olives, breads, cheese, gluten-free meals and more will also be available for your selection.
Summit Farmer’s Market
The 22nd season of the Summit Summer Farmers Market begins April 23 and runs through November 19. The market is open every Sunday from 8:00am – 1:00pm in Park & Shop Lot #2, at the corner of DeForest Ave. and Maple St. Parking is free and conveniently available in K Lot off Maple St., behind CVS.
In addition to all the wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, nuts and condiments available for purchase, Summit will be hosting several Fundays at the market:
- Blueberry Muffin Contest July 9
- Salsa Contest September 10
- Pumpkin Painting October 29
- Pumpkin/Sweet Potato Pie Contest November 12
Visit the Downtown Summit website for more information on each of these contests.
Union Farmer’s Market
The Union farmers market provides a place where local farmers, artisans and crafters can sell their goods. The goal of the market is to encourage nutritious food choices through buying fresh and eating local.
The season begins June 22 and runs through September 28, 2017. Each Thursday, the market is open from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at 1976 Morris Ave in the parking lot in front of Town Hall.
Below is a convenient chart detailing each Farmers Market in our local area. Enjoy our Jersey Fresh produce!
2017 Local Farmers Markets
Town |
Day |
2017 Dates |
Times |
Location |
Chatham | Saturday | June 17 – November 18 | 8am – 1pm | RR Plaza South off Fairmount Ave |
Madison | Thursday | June 1 – October 26 | 2pm – 7pm | Central Ave between Main St and Cook Ave |
Maplewood | Monday | June 5 – November 20 | 2pm – 7pm | 1848-1852 Springfield Ave between Yale & Oberlin Streets |
Millburn | Tuesday | June 2 – October 31 | 8am – 2pm | corner of Main St & Essex St |
Montclair | Saturday | June 3 – November 18 | 8am – 2pm | Walnut St Train Station |
South Orange | Wednesday | June 7 – October 25 | 2pm – 7pm | Lot 9 at Sloan St & First St |
Summit | Sunday | April 23 – November 19 | 8am – 1pm | Park & Shop Lot #2, at the corner of DeForest Ave and Maple St |
Union | Thursday | June 22 – September 28 | 3pm – 7pm | 1976 Morris Ave in the parking lot in front of Town Hall |