August 9, 2023 By Mark Cullings
The Hingham Farmers Market (HFM) joins markets nationwide in celebration of National Farmers Market Week from August 6-12. This Saturday, August 12, Hingham celebrates “Hingham Farmers Market Day.”
Massachusetts State Senator Patrick O’Connor, State Representative Joan Meschino and Hingham Select Board member Joe Fisher will open Saturday’s special session of the HFM and offer welcoming remarks.
The market is in high season and will have coloring sheets for children about farms and the products sold at the market. There will also be notes to write to the vendors thanking them for growing healthy food and making the many wonderful products they bring to the market. Shopping bags with the HFM’s colorful logo will also be available.
Each HFM market session includes between thirty-five and forty vendors. Freitas (Middleborough), Aeonian (Westport) and Teal (Rochester) farms are the market’s anchor produce farms, supplemented by the Bukjian Family Farm (Hanson) and Stargazer Hollow (Berkley). All offer a wide variety of locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruits.
In addition, the HFM offers poultry, eggs, meat, seafood, baked goods, cheese and many locally produced food products. Space is also available for community organizations, and the market features live music.
“Farmers markets are abundant sources of food, connection and resilience in our communities across the country, but they don’t just happen on their own.” said Ben Feldman, Farmers Market Coalition Executive Director. “Behind the scenes of every successful farmers market is a dedicated person or team working to make the market thrive.” The HFM appreciates Hingham’s many people and agencies that support the market’s operations.
Bev Vernon, a volunteer with the market for over 10 years, said, “The market is a family. The vendors support each other and welcome the marketgoers into the family each Saturday. Food, music and shopping bring everyone together.”
The HFM supports efforts to ease the cost burden for qualified customers. It participates in the federally funded SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program. Thanks to a grant from the Fruit Center Marketplace, the market can match up to $20 for each transaction. In addition, Aeonian Farm is a Massachusetts-sponsored HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) certified vendor.
The Hingham Farmers Market is located at 95 Station Street. Up to date information about the market may be found on Facebook and Instagram, and during the season, it publishes a weekly newsletter for subscribers. Sign up for HFMarket Matters on Facebook or at the market’s website: www.hinghamfarmersmarket.org.
The HFM operates from May until Thanksgiving, from 9am – 1pm, rain or shine.