(TRENTON) – Touting the health benefits of
eating the freshest fruits, vegetables and other farm
products, New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Charles
M. Kuperus kicked off his summer tour of state community
farmers markets by visiting two Central Jersey markets.
Kuperus attended grand opening ceremonies at the West Windsor Community
Farmers’ Market at the Princeton Junction Train Station, one of
the state’s six new markets to open this year. The Saturdays-only
market, started by two local residents -- Mireille Delman and Beth Feehan
-- to honor West Windsor’s rich history in farming – features
eight farmers selling conventional, organic, and specialty Asian vegetables,
bedding plants, fruit, flowers, grass-fed beef and pork, eggs, and poultry.
“The West Windsor market is an excellent representation of the diversity
of agriculture in the Garden State,” said Secretary Kuperus. “It’s
the type of market that will appeal to a wide variety of residents by offering
everything from Chinese cabbage to fresh pot pies made with free range game birds.”
New Jersey has 67 community farmers’ markets located in 59 communities
throughout the state, from Cape May to Sussex County. There are six new
community markets operating this year: Belmar; Boonton; Cape May Courthouse;
Millville; Netcong; and West Windsor.
“Community farmers’ markets serve to promote the consumption of the
hundreds of edible products grown by the state’s farmers by bringing these
products directly to consumers,” said Secretary Kuperus. “The markets
also help to revitalize town centers by attracting consumers, increasing foot
traffic and thus, complementing local businesses.”
These markets participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)/Senior/
Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which makes available locally grown
fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to nutritionally at-risk pregnant,
breast-feeding, or post-partum women; children two to five years old;
and eligible seniors age 60 and older. Eligible participants receive
four $5 vouchers valid June 30 through November 30 to purchase locally
grown produce from certified farmer vendors.
This year, there are more than 65,000 WIC participants and almost 40,000
eligible senior participants. There are 180 certified farmer vendors,
who will benefit from over $2 million available through the U.S. Department
of Agriculture.
Kuperus also visited the Franklin Township Farmers Market in Somerset
County -- now starting it’s third season -- to sample some of the
vendors’ fresh produce. Up to eight farmers sell their agricultural
products ranging from bedding plants, fresh poultry, cut flowers, and
potted plants, to fresh fruits and vegetables on Saturdays through the
fall.
“Located right in the heart of Franklin’s Hamilton Street business
district, the Franklin market is a terrific example of how community farmers’ markets
can help revive downtowns,” said Secretary Kuperus. “Not only the
town benefits, but the markets create a venue for our farmers to help keep New
Jersey green and growing.”
Kuperus plans to continue his community farmers’ markets tour throughout
the summer.
For a complete list of New Jersey's community farmers markets, please
go to: http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/urban.htm |