Poll Area

Orange to hold its first farmers’ market, Wednesday, October 12th,  1pm-5pm

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announced today that Orange will hold its first Farmers Market on Wednesday, October 12th in the rear of City Hall, 29 North Day Street. The market is in partnership with the New Jersey Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). However, all residents are invited to attend and shop.

One of the participants in the farm market will be Garden State Urban Farms of Orange (GSUF). GSUF collaborates with schools, nonprofit organizations and government groups to provide employment opportunities and educational programming as well as low-cost, healthy food. GSUF operates a hydroponic greenhouse in Orange, NJ. They train ex-offenders and at risk youth in managing a sustainable business, while growing the highest quality greens for the local community.

The New Jersey Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides locally grown unprepared fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to eligible seniors 60 years of age and older. The program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Essex County Division on Aging and City of Orange. Local farmers are recruited and trained to be Certified Farmer Vendors. These farmers benefit from the programs by directly marketing their locally grown fresh produce to eligible participants at farmers market across the state.

The market accepts Senior Nutrition Vouchers. Vouchers will be  distributed to all qualified seniors who did not receive on for the year. Each eligible participant receives four $5 checks/vouchers that can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at the farmers market.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“Farmers’ Markets are a wonderful way for people to buy fresh produce direct from the farm. Orange is delighted to hold our first farmers’ Market and we hope to hold additional markets in the future. This event is not just for seniors. I invite all Orange residents to come by and enjoy the afternoon.”

For more information, please contact Sandra Barrera at 973-266-4003.