BRATTLEBORO — Enrollment has begun for the Neighborhood Market's fifth season, which kicks off June 24 at Green Street School and runs Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. through Sept. 30.
The market's mission is to expand access to healthful, affordable, and local food for all, and all are invited. The market's primary focus is on serving those on low incomes.
Organizers say in a press release that the Neighborhood Market is similar to a traditional Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in that it asks folks to commit to a 15-week season, which helps farms plan and supports their overall success.
That said, Neighborhood Market is unique in that members can pay their share price in weekly installments, rather in full up front, which allows people on limited or fixed incomes to participate.
Cash, checks, EBT cards, and Farm to Family coupons are accepted.
This year the market is run by five small Windham County farms: Amazing Planet Farm, Circle Mountain Farm, Full Plate Farm, Hermit Thrush Homestead, and New Leaf CSA.
The market also has a buying club that allows members to access reduced prices on locally grown and/or produced bread, yogurt, cheese, eggs, fruit, and more.
Education is an important part of the market as well: Volunteers help visitors make the most of recipes, taste tests, cooking demos, and other activities throughout the season.
The market is sponsored by Food Connects, which works to cultivate healthy farm and food connections in classrooms, cafeterias, and communities in and around Windham County.