Bedding Plants, Flowers Available at Farmers' Markets for Mother's Day, Memorial Day
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that three farmers' markets located in state parks are now open on a weekly basis. For the first few weeks, the popular markets primarily will offer bedding plants, hanging plants, cut flowers, meat, early vegetable crops, honey, and maple syrup. As traditional local summer crops become available, more vendors will participate.
"Farmers' markets are great places to get delicious and freshly-harvested local foods direct from the farm to your kitchen table," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "In addition to offering an opportunity to buy the freshest produce, meats and seafood possible, farmers' markets are great places to purchase beautiful bedding plants and flowers - especially with Mother's Day just a few days away."
The farmers' markets in DEM-operated parks and market hours of operation are:
• Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Warwick, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Fishermen's Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Haines Memorial State Park Farmers' Market on Route 103 on the East Providence/Barrington line, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The opening of the DEM Farmers' Markets coincides with the opening of many other farmers' markets throughout the state. Several additional farmers' markets operated by DEM will open in late July through late October, including:
• Capitol Hill Farmers' Market in Providence, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on July 9. • Johnston Farmers' Market at Memorial Park on Route 6 (Hartford Avenue), Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on July 27.
Most vendors at every DEM Farmers' market accept farmers' market checks from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) administered by the Department of Health (to purchase fruits and vegetables). The successful Senior Farmers' Nutrition Program for purchase of fruits and vegetables, administered by DEM for the past eight years, will be offered at all DEM markets as the season progresses. The coupons are expected to be available at senior centers sometime in July. To qualify for the program, persons 60 or older make a simple self-declaration of income based on household size. DEM coordinates the program in conjunction with the RI Department of Elderly Affairs.
Farming is an integral part of the state's economy and provides a valuable contribution to Rhode Island's open space and quality of life. Beyond fresh and local produce, nursery stock, sod and Rhode Island's own Rhody Fresh milk, in RI agriculture contributes $239 million annually to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries.
DEM's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing, which helps farmers with marketing information, offers a free brochure that lists the locations of all farmers' markets and roadside stands, along with addresses, hours, days and months of operation, and telephone numbers. The brochure is available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Agriculture in Rhode Island" on the left side of the homepage, then "RI Ag Products." To participate in the state farmers' markets, or to receive a copy of the brochure by mail, please contact the Division at 222-2781.