9 weekly farmers' markets open in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Nine farmers' markets operated by the Department of Environmental Management in state parks and public areas throughout Rhode Island are now open on a weekly basis.

In addition to locally-grown vegetables and fruits, among the items available for purchase at the farmers' markets include Rhode Island meats and seafood, baked goods, bedding plants, hanging plants, cut flowers, honey and maple syrup.

The farmers' markets in DEM-operated state parks and other public facilities are as follows:

• Fishermen's Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Johnston Farmers' Market at Memorial Park on Route 6 (Hartford Avenue), Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Blackstone River Visitor Center Farmers' Market on Rt. 295 North in Lincoln, Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Haines Memorial State Park Farmers' Market on Route 103 on the East Providence/Barrington line, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Capitol Hill Farmers' Market in Providence, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Warwick, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Pastore Complex Farmers' Market in Cranston, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• State Pier Nine Farmers' Market in Newport, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Colt State Park Farmers' Market in Bristol, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

DEM Farmers' Markets accept farmers' market checks from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children administered by the Department of Health.

The successful Senior Farmers' Nutrition Program administered by DEM is also being offered this year, with coupons available at senior centers throughout the state.

To qualify for the program, persons 60 or older make a simple self-declaration of income based on household size. DEM coordinates the program in conjunction with the RI Department of Elderly Affairs.   

According to the US Department of Agriculture's New England agricultural statistics, in 2007 Rhode Island had $6.3 million worth of agriculture sales sold directly to the public.

This was 9.5% of all agriculture market sales, which ranked the state first in the US for percentage of direct market sales.

The increased presence of farmers' markets helps bring local farm products to new communities to the benefit of both urban and rural customers. In addition, greater access to healthy, local food is improving the nutritional health of RI residents.