LYNN — The Lynn Farmers’ Market is heading toward un-chard-ed territory this summer, laying down roots at the Commons every Thursday from July 11 until Nov. 21.
The market is in partnership with the Food Project and Lynn Grows.
Hazel Kiefer, the Ingalls Elementary School farm manager for the Food Project, said that the annual market had outgrown its previous location, so its organizers decided to try out the Commons this year.
“We have a lot of customers that come through there so we’re trying to make a little more space, make it a little more comfortable for folks,” Kiefer said.
This year’s market will have the same main vegetable vendors from previous years, including Paula’s Produce, Farmer Dave’s, Riverdale Farm, and the Food Project.
Kiefer said along with the four main vendors every week, there will be rotating vendors, including a bakery and egg and honey vendors.
Just like in previous years, people will be able to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) at the market.
Kiefer said this year, there will also be music at the Frederick Douglass Bandstand, kids’ activities, a cooling station, an array of community groups, vegetable tastings, and cooking demonstrations.
“A farmers’ market is a really great way to connect people with who’s growing their food, and allow that connection to drive production,” Kiefer said. “It really allows for a very, kind of, personal and personalized experience as a shopper because you’re getting food that’s not available in your local grocery store.”
Because Lynn is such a diverse city, Kiefer said that vendors will have produce that is included in many different types of dishes and cuisines across the world.
“We have a lot of folks here from different cultures who have different expectations around what foods are available,” Kiefer said.
Kiefer started farming as a teenager, and has been doing it ever since.
“I think it’s really satisfying work, it’s tangible. You can look behind you and see what you did in a day,” she said. “I also think that it’s very beautiful. I love produce, I love vegetable, I love the end product of farming, I love eating vegetables.”
Kiefer said that having farmers’ markets is a great way to support local growers and buy local food to invest in local systems.
The Lynn Farmers’ Market will be held every Thursday this year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Commons from July 11 to Nov. 21.
