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The first full season of the Bloomfield Community Farmers Market started Jun. 7, 2022 at the Bloomfield Public Library courtyard, featuring fresh local produce from a nearby farm, food from local vendors, and other products from area businesses.
“We’re trying to break down barriers and increase access to healthy foods for our entire community,” said Michael Sceurman, director of Bloomfield’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department, and fourth-generation township resident.
The Bloomfield recreation department runs the market, which began in 2021 to increase access to healthy foods and support local farms and businesses. The market started that fall with an abbreviated season and returned this season for a 21-week run.
When and where does the Bloomfield Farmers Market take place?
The Bloomfield Farmers Market takes place on Tuesday afternoons, rain or shine, in the Bloomfield Public Library courtyard at 90 Broad St. between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The 2022 season runs from Jun. 7 to Oct. 25.
What are my transportation options for the Bloomfield Farmers Market?
The Bloomfield Farmers Market is located in Bloomfield Center and can be reached on foot, by car, bike, or public transit.
A bike rack is available. Cars can be parked on Broad St. or behind the library.
NJ Transit buses 11, 72, and 709 stop just one block away.
What types of products are available at Bloomfield Farmers Market?
Seven vendors will be selling at the market during the 2022 season. Returning anchor vendor City Green is an urban farm and gardening program in Clifton that brings locally-grown produce and seasonal fruits and vegetables to area markets in its Veggie Mobile.
Other vendors include:
- Aunt Miss Christine Handmade Pierogi
- Beyond Nirvana skincare
- Bloom CC + CO childcare and co-working services
- Cozz Coffee Roasting
- Grandma Emma’s Corp fruit cobbler vendor
- In the Company of Yum pie baker
- LuLu’s Artisanal Lemonade
- Shi’s Cakes & Things
“The vendors tell you and show you the passion that they cultivate…they put their heart and soul and energy into their products,” Sceurman said.
Can I use SNAP, WIC, or other food assistance at the Bloomfield Farmers Market?
Shoppers can use their WIC and Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition benefits at the Bloomfield Farmers Market.
Free like-cash market vouchers are available while supplies last for qualifying Bloomfield residents through the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services, which has a table at the market.
In addition, shoppers who are eligible for SNAP or WIC can double their benefits through New Jersey’s Good Food Bucks program when they use those benefits to purchase produce from the City Green Veggie Mobile.
What other resources or information can residents find at the Bloomfield Farmers Market?
Some township departments have tables at the Bloomfield Farmers Market to provide information and resources to residents.
Here are some examples of what you could find:
- Bloomfield Health and Human Services’s table qualifying visitors for free market cash and sharing information about their food, housing, and other forms of assistance
- Bloomfield Public Library’s table sharing information about its book clubs, children’s programming, and library of things
- Bloomfield Public Safety with children’s coloring books and adult informational flyers
- Greener Bloomfield featured as part of the Community Spotlight program sharing about local environmental initiatives
How can local businesses and organizations become vendors at the Bloomfield Farmers Market?
Bloomfield-area businesses and organizations can request a vendor application by emailing the Bloomfield Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs director at [email protected] or by calling 973-743-9074.
Vendor registration fees are $600 for the 21-week season, according to Sceurman.
How can local businesses and organizations participate in the Bloomfield Farmers Market free Community Spotlight program?
The Bloomfied Farmers Market free Community Spotlight allows small local businesses and organizations to build connections with the community by showcasing their goods or services for free on one of the market days.
You can apply to have your business or organization featured as a community spotlight at the Bloomfield Farmers Market by emailing the Bloomfield Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs director at [email protected] or by calling 973-743-9074.
How can residents get involved in the Bloomfield Farmers Market?
Residents can follow the Bloomfield Farmers Market on Instagram.
In 2020, the township formed the Farmers Market Advisory Committee to develop and implement a strategic plan for the market. You can sign up for the Bloomfield Info Project’s Daily Bulletin to keep up to date on vacancies on township boards.
Or you can email the board liaison, 1st Ward Councilwoman Jenny Mundell, to inquire about advisory committee vacancies at [email protected].
What else should residents know about the Bloomfield Farmers Market?
Bloomfield Health and Human Services is hosting “Walk & Talk” events on Tuesdays at 5 pm during the 2022 market season. Participants will have a chance to connect with other residents and hear from individuals and organizations working in the community. They will also receive a $10 voucher to use at City Green’s Veggie Mobile.
Follow Bloomfield Health and Human Services on Instagram to find out more.