Six Area Farmers Markets Open All Winter
Farmers Markets in the winter? You bet! Richmond has six that are open year round. What will you likely find? Locally raised meat and eggs, kale, collards, winter squash, onions and root vegetables such as carrots, turnips and sweet potatoes. All local, which means your food probably traveled less than 75 miles to get to you, rather than 1,075.
And there’s more! Most of the markets also have baked goods – breads, sticky buns, pies – jarred sauces, jams, jellies and pickles as well as prepared-food vendors providing ready-to-eat meals. Many markets also feature artisans selling their handmade soap, jewelry, pottery, apparel and more. Plus you experience the ambience of an outdoor market … even if it’s inside!
This winter, adults and families who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) can use their SNAP benefits at the Lakeside Farmers Market and South of the James Market to purchase fruits and vegetables, plant starts, meat, dairy, bread and other eligible foods.
Where will you find these six year-round area markets? Two in the city, two in Chesterfield County and one each in Hanover and Henrico counties. Here are the details from the Capital Area Farmers Market Association, which maintains an updated list of markets at www.backtothemarket.com.
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
Farm Market at Boulevard Flower Gardens
November – March: Saturdays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
May – October: Thursdays, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
2100 Ruffin Mill Road, South Chesterfield, VA 23834
www.boulevardflowergardens.com
Huguenot-Robious Farmers Market
Year Round: Thursdays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
January 7, 2016 to April 7, 2016: Inside Great Big Greenhouse
April 7, 2016 move back outside
Great Big Greenhouse
2051 Huguenot Road, Richmond, VA 23235
HANOVER COUNTY
Ashland Farmers Market
May – October: Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon
January – April: *Renegade Market: Every other Saturday, 9:00 am – 11:00 am (started January 9, 2016)
121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005
http://www.town.ashland.va.us/index.aspx?NID=287
HENRICO COUNTY
Lakeside Farmers Market
Saturdays, Mornings
Wednesdays, All Day
6110 Lakeside Avenue, Henrico, VA 23228
Year Round
EBT/SNAP
RICHMOND
Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s
Indoor Market December-March: Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon
Outdoor Market: April – October: Saturdays, 8:00 am – Noon; October-November: 9am – noon
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226
www.saintstephensrichmond.net/farmersmarket
South of the James Market
May – October: Saturdays, 8:00 am – Noon
November – April: Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon
Forest Hill Park
New Kent Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond, VA 23225
EBT/SNAP
About the Capital Area Farmers Market Association
The Capital Area Farmers Market Association (CAFMA) is an all-volunteer organization of area farmers markets working together to increase access to local food, expand opportunities for our local farmers and support the development of local small businesses. CAFMA believes everyone wins with a healthy thriving farmers market operating in their community.
CAFMA meetings are open to anyone operating a farmers market in the Richmond area, anyone interested in knowing more about area farmers markets, or anyone passionate about our markets looking to become more involved. We meet on the second Monday of each month from 10:00 am-11:30 am at Feedmore, 1415 Rhoadmiller Street, Richmond, VA 23220.
Contact:
Kate Ruby, Coordinator
Capital Area Farmers Market Association
804-261-0841
KRuby@saintstephensrichmond.net
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