Montgomery Farmer’s Market to Open on June 6

The Montgomery Farmer’s Market will be back this year, but with several changes, including regulations for the safety of both shoppers and sellers.

The market is also moving just north, to the center aisle of the Village Shopper III parking lot, in front of Lili B’s, due to construction at the Village Shopper I. Every Saturday through October, it will open at 9 am, but close an hour earlier, at noon.

Vendors

Fairgrown Farm is new to the market this year. Montgomery natives Alex and James Klett founded and operate it. (Read The Montgomery News business profile on Fairgrown Farm.

The Klett brothers will be selling organic strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, lettuce, kale, broccoli, cabbage, summer squash, peppers, cucumbers, and their first crop of blueberries at the market.

They will also be selling grass-fed beef, lamb, and pork from Beechtree Farm in Hopewell. James says they plan to grow additional items this year, noting, “Covid-19 has really increased demand for local produce.”

Christopher Soaps of North Brunswick is a new vendor to the Montgomery Farmers’ Market. These vegan soaps contain essential oils, and include scrubs and body butters. Market Manager Lorette Pruden points out, “Soap is an essential service!”

Vendors returning to the market include:

Clifford Family Farm of Pittstown offers organic vegetables, flowers, and fruit. Buyers may pre-order.

The Granola Bar of Princeton sells bars and loose granola, some organic.

Griggstown Farm of Griggstown will be selling eggs, poultry, pot pies, soups, sauces, and fruit pies.

Orchard Farm Organics of Cherry Hill Road in Montgomery Township will sell organic vegetables, flowers, soups and pesto.

Von Thun’s Country Farm Market of South Brunswick (for five generations) will sell vegetables, berries, and tree fruits.

Zell’s Farm of Hillsborough will offer Asian and other heritage vegetables and farm-grown mushrooms.

Due to COVID-19, Terra Momo Bakery, Sweet Gourmet Bakery, and Curries and Chutneys will not be at the market this year.

COVID-19 Market Safety Procedures

Lorette Pruden, who has run the Montgomery Friends of Open Space Farmers Market since 2003, says the market will follow the governor’s orders, CDC guidelines, and the Rutgers University Agricultural Extension Guidelines for safe operation and safe shopping at the market.

People who are sick, or live or work with someone who is, should not come to the market.

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Pruden suggests, “Perhaps a neighbor could shop for you or pick up your pre-orders.” In addition, “Six-foot social distancing and masks will be expected for all present.” To prevent crowds, only one person from each family is permitted at the market and children or dogs are not permitted. Hand sanitizer will be available and sellers will be wearing single-use gloves.

Unlike previous years, Pruden states, “Shoppers will not be allowed to pick up or pick through the produce or products.” Instead, they should tell the sellers what they want. Sellers will pack all items, whether pre-bagged or loose, in bags, and then hand them to customers. Many items, such as frozen meats and baked goods, will be pre-packaged.

“Market traffic, both foot and vehicular, will be strictly managed to preserve safety and prevent over-crowding.”

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There are changes to the buying process as well. Pruden explains, “Some vendors will only fill prepaid pre-orders to be picked up at the market; others will sell items at the market. Cashless payments will be preferred and even required by some vendors.”

Pruden adds, “We won’t have food samples, coffee, pastries, or music; just healthy, fresh food from our local farmers.”

Learn more at: montgomeryfriends.org.