BRATTLEBORO — The Winter Farmers' Market returns to the River Garden for its 12th season on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Fans of the famous outdoor summer farmers' market in West Brattleboro can follow many of their favorite vendors indoors to the only weekly farmers' market in the region. It is open every Saturday, November through March.
Visitors to the Winter Farmers' Market in downtown Brattleboro will find plenty of farms and local produce. Each week, the River Garden is transformed into a warm, welcoming, indoor marketplace. Most weeks, about two dozen vendors can be found there, including many favorites from past seasons and some new faces as well.
According to the Farmers' Market Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers markets across the country, the impact of direct farmer-to-consumer transactions at a market is greater than it might appear.
Markets serve as community anchors, positively influencing community health and wealth. This results in more viable regional economies, increased access to fresh, nutritious food, and stronger social networks that help keep communities healthy.
“If each person not currently shopping at farmers' markets decided to shop at a market one day a month,” said Erin Buckwalter of NOFA-VT in a news release, “that would make a huge difference to our local economy and for farmers' livelihoods.”
Along with fresh produce, syrup, local meats, eggs, and other farm products, visitors to the market will find yummy treats, great lunches, delicious pies, preserves, beautiful handmade gifts, and live local music.
The Winter Farmers' Market welcomes debit, credit, and EBT (3SquaresVT) cards. EBT customers can turn $10 into $20 each week with Crop Cash Coupons, thanks to NOFA-VT, Wholesome Wave, and a FINI Grant through the USDA.
The Winter Farmers' Market is sponsored by Post Oil Solutions, a local nonprofit working to promote sustainable communities.