Farmers and fresh food vendors from across Massachusetts

Photos by Bobbie Toner

(from the city of Somerville)

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Shape Up Somerville announce the launch of the Somerville winter farmers’ market. The winter farmers’ market is an initiative of Shape Up Somerville, designed to increase access to healthy and local foods for all Somerville residents during the winter months. The market will take place on Saturdays from 10 am – 2pm, January 8^th through March 26^th at the Center for the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue in Somerville.

“Just because it is cold outside, that doesn’t mean our healthy eating habits have to go into hibernation,” said Mayor Curtatone. “I suspect we’re going to discover a significant pent up demand for a winter farmers’ market and that the Armory will become one of the hottest places to be in Somerville during Saturdays this winter.”

Somerville residents have long appreciated the fresh and local produce found at the City’s two farmers’ market, located in Union Square and Davis Square, June through November. In January 2010, community members identified the need for more fresh and local foods during the winter months and the idea of a winter farmers’ market was born. Shape Up Somerville, local farmers and community stakeholders met in March of 2010 to begin developing a business plan for the market.

“Somerville knows the value of collaboration and the winter market is a great example of the community coming together to create something that would be difficult for each organization to achieve on our own,” said Shape Up Somerville Director Jaime Corliss. “I extend my thanks to the Center for Arts at the Armory for partnering with the City on this exciting venture. I would also like to thank the organizations that participated in the planning process for winter market, especially MA Farmers’ Markets, Union Square Main Streets and Groundwork Somerville.”

“We are delighted to bring the Winter Farmer’s Market to the Armory,” said Debra McLaughlin, Chair of the Arts at the Armory Board of Directors. “The summer farmers’ markets have always been an important source of fresh, locally grown food and other locally-sourced products for the people in our community. We are very proud to help extend the farmers’ market season through the winter months.”

Somerville residents will find an array of produce, meat, bread and specialty vendors at the market.  For the first time ever, residents will be able to sample and purchase wine from Massachusetts farm wineries.  The addition of farm wineries is a result of statewide legislation that was enacted during the summer.  Participating vendors include:

• Enterprise Farm, South Deerfield, MA
• Winter Moon Farm, Hadley, MA
• Stillman’s Farm, Hardwick, MA
• Apex Orchards, Shelburne, MA
• Cook’s Farm, Brimfield, MA
• Austin Brothers Valley Farm, Belchertown, MA
• Globe Fish Co, Boston, MA
• Hi-Rise Bread Co., Cambridge, MA
• Great Cape Baking Company, Marstons Mills, MA
• 3 Little Figs, Boston, MA
• Seta’s Mediterranean Foods, West Newton, MA
• Q’s Nuts, Georgetown, MA
• Reseska Apiaries, Holliston, MA
• Elaine Hsieh, Chocolatier, Somerville, MA
• Taza Chocolate, Somerville, MA
• Coastal Vineyards, South Dartmouth, MA
• Turtle Creek Winery, Lincoln, MA
• Zoll Cellars Winery, Shrewsbury, MA

EBT, debit and credit will be accepted at market to increase payment options for residents of all income levels.  Residents can stay updated on the products that will be available each market day by following the winter farmers’ market Facebook page which will be launched shortly.