Letter from the Manager
April 2009
Dear Friends of the Quincy Farmers' Market,
We have set our 2009 season opening for Friday, June 12, 2009. The market continues to operate at the John Hancock Municipal Parking Lot, across from the Court House and Chestnut Street in Quincy Center. Operating hours are Fridays from
On opening day, Freitas Farm of Middleboro will bringing their sweet strawberries, bedding and herb plants. Circle Ohan Farm of Holbrook will bring free range eggs and hopefully some live chickens and goats for children to see and pet. Our fantastic bakeries plan to return with a variety of breads, pastries and cookies. Many early vegetables, such as leafy greens and radishes, should be available. Naturally, everything depends on Mother Nature. If we are having a warm spring, the farmers will have plenty of produce earlier. It is the anticipation that can make a visit to the farmers market so fascinating -- you never know what you will find there. And, each week as the season advances, more produce becomes available.
The Quincy Farmers’ Market and all the other local farmers’ markets are the answer to the increasing demand for locally grown produce. The "Locavore" is a new buzzword and describes a person who eats locally grown food. That definition can be extended to include locally manufactured items and energy sources. The Locavore's ultimate goal is to reduce the carbon foot print.
Most of us go to the farmers’ market simply to buy our fruits and vegetables and pick up loaf of home baked bread, honey and a dozen of eggs from a nearby farm whose hens have the freedom to roam in the sunshine.
Because wellness is a focus as obesity among even the young has become almost an epidemic, the farmers’ market can answer that critical component of health and wellness in that we as customers are in charge of what goes ends up on our table, rather than a food manufacturer or a fast food restaurant.
Farmers’ markets are also a convenient way of shopping, as they offer hand picked heirloom tomatoes, chosen at their peak ripeness, string beans in various colors, potatoes, and sweet corn grown strictly for their intense flavor. Large commercial growers on the other hand grow varieties which can withstand long distance shipping, and must be picked ahead of their full maturity.
Farmers’ Market’s produce is convenient, particularly since the salad mixes, tomatoes, berries and apples are ready to eat as is. The home made breads and cakes contain no preservatives, so you can feel good serving them to your family.
Farmers’ market customers are, by nature, conservative in their use of natural resources. They want the opportunity to purchase farm fresh, day-of-market picked fruits and vegetables. They develop personal relationships with their farmers. The farmers want their customers to visit their farms, and see their operation up close and personal.
With the Market's earlier start thisyear, you will have an opportunity to purchase your herb plants, and other bedding plants directly from the farmers and then plant them in your own garden, for a long season of harvesting your own herbs. You can enjoy their perennials for years to come by creating a “Symphony for the Senses” in your own garden, balcony, window box or patio.
Please come to the Market on June 12th to enjoy an early breath of summer and the locally produced bounty.
If you have a garden that produces too many vegetables for your own family, perhaps consider bringing them to the Community Table for sale at Quincy Farmers’ Market. For more information about our Community Table, click on Community Table
See you at the market on June 12th. Quincy Mayor Tom Koch will officially open the Market at 1:30 p.m. Don't miss it!
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Anneli
Anneli Johnson Market Manager
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