The Somerville Winter Farmers Market is establishing alternative methods for keeping itself operating through the 2020-2021 season.

The Center for Arts at the Armory (CAA) proudly announces that it will host and manage the Somerville Winter Farmers Market (SWFM) every Saturday beginning December 5th through April 10th, with online pre-ordering beginning November 29th. This weekly market offers the best locally grown and regionally produced agricultural items, including vegetable produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, pastries, and sweets. Each market will feature more than 40 weekly vendors, with 10-14 outside in our parking lot.

The mission of the Somerville Winter Farmers Market is to bring healthy, local food and products to all customers regardless of economic status. In addition  to cash, credit and debit, SNAP/EBT is also accepted at the Somerville Winter Farmers Market, and the market provides a free $15 match for every SNAP / EBT customer. The market is also participating in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which allows qualifying customers to be credited for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at participating HIP vendors. Rising to the challenges of safely conducting a market during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this year the market will have online pre-order, possibilities for curbside pickup, and an outdoor market component. ROOTED Armory Cafe & Farmstand will also be open to the public on Saturdays and carry many products from SWFM vendors. Additionally, Covid-19 mitigation  measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, hand sanitization and social distancing will be in effect, and the space will be operating at reduced capacity with specific timeframes set for customers to shop and pick up their groceries.

“The mission of Center for Arts at the Armory is focused on arts, culture and community. The Winter Farmers Market is most closely related to the health and well-being of our community, and also provides a vital platform for dozens of small businesses and farms. Due to Covid-19, we have faced numerous financial and logistical challenges in launching this year’s market season but we are committed to finding a way to make it happen for our community and our vendors. ,”says Stephanie Scherpf, CAA Executive Director.

“SWFM is a key part of our community–both for our vendors and for our customers. We have adapted the market this year to provide a safe shopping experience for everyone. We want to continue to provide local, healthy food in a me when food insecurity is rising,” says Emily-Reckard Mota, CAA’s Market Manager. “Please join us in fostering a sustainable food system by supporting local businesses and farmers during this challenging me.”

The market will welcome back much-loved vendors, including Red Fire Farm, Heron Pond Farm, Winter Moon Roots, and Freedom Food Farm, each with a wide array of produce and winter greenhouse greens. Angry Honey will have honey to delight in, and Mycoterra will provide mushrooms again this year. Cheeses will be available from Brookford Farm and Oake Knoll Farm, while savory meats will be available from specialty vendors like Stillman Quality Meats and Lilac Hedge (both of which are also returning). Fresh artisanal pastries will return from Mariposa Bakery as well as newcomer Clark’s Cakes and Cookies, while hot or frozen tamales will again be available from market favorite, Tex Mex Eats. Many delectable desserts and confections will be offered from Bliss Bites, Bart’s Handcrafted Ice Cream, and Sweet Lydia’s, with chocolate specialties from Tick Tock Chocolates and Sueños Chocolates. Deano’s Pasta will offer fresh, homemade pastas, and Soluna Garden Farms will again offer a variety of herbs, spices, and tea blends.

The Center for Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. To learn more, and for a complete listing of vendors, weekly specials and live entertainment, please visit www.somwintermarket.org. You can find the market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SomervilleWinterFarmersMarket, and on Twitter and Instagram @SomWinterMarket.

*Please note that the Somerville Winter Farmers Market will not be held on Saturday, December 26, 2020.