Rhode Island-Grown and Produced Produce, Poultry, Meats and Seafood Are Available at the Winter Markets to Serve as Part of Your Thanksgiving Meal
PROVIDENCE – Rhode Islanders now have eight winter farmers' markets available throughout the state where they can purchase a wide variety of locally-grown and produced products. The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Agriculture and partners are helping to sponsor the indoor farmers' markets through the "Get Fresh. Buy Local." statewide campaign aimed at promoting awareness of and interest in buying RI-grown specialty crops.
"Buying fresh, locally-sourced meats, seafood, vegetables, fruit and dairy products at the winter farmers' markets helps Rhode Islanders enjoy delicious, healthy foods and supports our local farmers," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Take some time to visit one of the eight winter farmers' markets as you prepare for your Thanksgiving meal. Nothing's better than a Rhode Island-grown turkey, locally-harvested fish and shellfish products, and farm-fresh potatoes, carrots, apples, cider and winter squash to compliment your holiday menu. They are all available – straight from the farm and the sea – at the winter markets."
The South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers' Market in the Peace Dale Mill Complex at 1425 Kingstown Road (Route 108) in Peace Dale is open on Saturdays through April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now in its sixth year, this market is an outgrowth of the South Kingstown farmers' market that operates at URI's East Farm and at Marina Park from May through October. This indoor winter market features a cornucopia of locally-grown and produced products, including seasonal vegetables and fruits, cornmeal, breads, harvest decorations, eggs, honey, candles, jams, RI wool blankets and yarns, artisan soaps, RI raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, oysters, fish, seafood, baked goods, and dog biscuits. For more information about the South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers Market, visit its website at www.southkingstownfarmersmarket.org.
The Coastal Growers' Winter Market in North Kingstown at Lafayette Mill on Route 102, just west of Wickford in North Kingstown, is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 2. Throughout the summer and fall, the Coastal Growers' Market operates on Saturdays at Casey Farm in Saunderstown. Shoppers are able to purchase a wide variety ofvegetables, fruits, cheeses, naturally raised meats, breads and baked goods, fresh eggs, preserves, honey, chocolate, local seafood and fish, popcorn, flowers, cold-pressed juices, mushrooms, wreaths, soaps, coffee, and handmade pizza for lunch. For additional information about the Coastal Growers' Winter Market, visit its website at www.coastalmarket.org.
The Mount Hope Year-round Market at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the many products that are available at this market are locally-raised meat, fish and shellfish, vegetables, eggs, freshly-baked breads, pies, cakes, coffee, honey, herbs and granola. The Mount Hope market is located at 250 Metacom Avenue in Bristol and operates indoors now throughout the winter. For more information, visit www.mounthopefarm.org/farmersmarket.
The Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers' Market at Hope Artiste Village at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May 9. Now in its eighth year, the market is the largest wintertime farmers' market in New England. It specializes in fresh, locally-grown and produced food including apples, beets, cabbage, carrots, onions, cranberries, mushrooms, greens, potatoes, radishes, winter squash, and more. Vendors will also be offering locally-raised eggs, pork, chicken, beef, fish, charcuterie and shellfish; locally-produced applesauce, tomato sauce, jams, jellies, pickles and cheese; granola, bread, cupcakes, crepes, pies and baked treats and dog biscuits. For more information about the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers' Market, call 312-4250 or visit www.farmfreshri.org.
The Hope Valley Indoor Winter Farmers' Market, located above the police station in the Richmond Community Center at 1168 Main Street in Wyoming, is open Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., through April 11. Vendors participating in the market include Our Kids Farm, Usquepaugh Baking Co., Carolyn's Kitchen, Healey's Farm, Kenyon's Grist Mill, On The Lane Farm, and Narragansett Creamery. For more information, email market manager Meredith Westner at mwestner@yahoo.com.
In East Greenwich, the St. Luke's 'Arts And Farms' Indoor Winter Farmers' Market will be open every Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through March 2 at St. Luke's Church located at Church located at 99 Pierce Street Street. A variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, coffee, breads, jams, prepared foods, and all natural dog food are available for purchase from local vendors at the market throughout the winter. For more information, email market manager Wesley Forsyth at musicandtrees7@gmail.com.
The Woonsocket Indoor Winter Farmers' Market, located at the Thundermist Health Center at 450 Clinton Street in Woonsocket, is open Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through June 30. Vendors participating in the market include Blue Skys Farm and Farm Fresh & Co., which offer a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, dairy, grains, specialty items and a line of Harvest Kitchen products for purchase. For more information, email market manager Mikayla Moretti at mikayla@farmfreshri.org.
The Aquidneck Growers' Market, now located indoors at Newport Vineyard and Winery in Middletown, is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 9. A wide variety of locally-grown fruit and vegetables will be available through the winter in addition to fresh breads and pastries, locally-sourced fresh seafood, pasture raised meat and eggs, and changing weekly artisan vendors. The market is located at 909 East Main Road. For additional information, visit www.aquidneckgrowersmarket.com.
The state's $170 million agriculture industry benefits Rhode Island's economy and quality of life, and provides access to local foods and horticultural products. Rhode Island has 1,243 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 68,000 acres. The state is a national leader in direct-sales to consumers, with 50 seasonal farmers markets in the state's urban, suburban and rural areas, eight indoor winter markets, and numerous pick-your-own and farm stand operations.
"With the growing demand for locally-grown products, seasonal farmers' markets help create a more sustainable, locally-based food system that benefits the Rhode Island economy and environment," added Director Janet Coit. "The winter farmers' markets are great places to purchase the freshest produce, meats and seafood possible – especially with Thanksgiving just a week away."