Melrose Farmers Market Opens In June

MELROSE, MA – Opening day of the Melrose Farmers Market is upon us, as Thursday marks the first market of the season.

The market will take place at Bowden Park every Thursday from June 1 through October 27, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A mix of weekly and monthly vendors will be featured, with live music from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For the music schedule, click here.

SNAP and HIP benefits are also accepted at the market, and the market will double SNAP dollars up to $10 weekly.

Here's how to use SNAP and HIP benefits to maximize your money at the market:

• Bring your EBT card to the Market Table to purchase Market Bucks (plastic script to be used to make purchases with our food vendors).
• Staff at the table will swipe your card and the amount purchased is deducted from your SNAP account.
• We will then double what was deducted, up to $10. In other words, if you purchase $10 with your SNAP/EBT card, we will give you $20 in Market Bucks to spend on SNAP eligible products.

Market Bucks do not expire and can be used week to week.

Market-goers can also purchase fruits and vegetables directly from HIP authorized vendors using your EBT card. The amount of sale will be automatically (and instantly) reimbursed.

The market recommends doing this part first, before using your SNAP benefit, to assure that there are still funds left on your card.

Not sure how much HIP you can use? It depends on your household size:

• 1–2 people: $40 per month
• 3–5 people: $60 per month
• 6 or more: $80 per month

The market has three HIP-authorized vendors: Oakdale Farms, Moonlight Farm and Dick’s Market Gardens.

Below is a list of confirmed weekly vendors:

Dick’s Market Gardens 200 acres of active fields and orchards in picturesque Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Dick’s grows over 95 percent of all of the fruits and vegetables that you find at the farmers’ market. Tons of varieties and assortments of veggies. In June, you will mostly find perennials, veggie/herb plants for your garden, greens, and some root vegetables.

Oakdale Farms Country Barn 6th generation working horticulture and chicken farm in Southeastern Massachusetts, which produces food for the local community through venues such as grocery stores, wholesalers, farmers markets, CSA farm shares, home delivery, and their own Country Barn and Garden Shop.

Moonlight Farm Farm located in Ashby, MA that specializes in pasture-raised Americana Chicken, eggs, off ‘cides veggies and pork.

Roberto’s Seafood Freshest fish around! Find Bob selling fish on Cedar Park Street out of his truck. He arrives to the market just before 2 pm, so take note of his different hours before coming down. Pre-ordering is available through Facebook Messenger or by contacting [email protected] or 617.529.5701.

Fabian’s European Pastries Melrose baker specializing in Dutch baking. He imports carefully selected ingredients from Holland (that are not available in the U.S.) such as Almond Paste and specialty spices.

The Bread Shop Real bread. Local, whole grain, and connected to the community.

Al’s Hives and Honey Raw honey pollen and honey products from local apiaries on conservation land in Wenham and Peabody, Massachusetts.

Crepe du Jour Authentic sweet and savory French crepes made to order with homemade fillings.
Sweet Spot Bakery Delicious cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Their store is located right across from the park for when you’re craving more!

Cloutman Farm Nick’s own sustainably produced organic heirlooms! Focused on growing the highest quality ingredients. Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms, Herbs, and Produce!

Guru the Caterer Flavorful and nutritious Indian food, homemade for all of their clients across Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, and the surrounding areas. Physical stores located in Boston and Somerville.

Clover’s Kitchen Authentic Asian flavors in convenient and delicious packages. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner in the park.

Something Sweet Without the Wheat All of your favorite sweets without any of the gluten.
Charlies Barkery Treat everyone’s best friend with their own doggy treats, homemade with love using local and healthy products.

Bi-weekly or monthly vendors include:

Del Sur Empanadas Traditional Argentine and Chilean frozen empanadas, hand-crafted with all kinds of flavor.

Mei Mei Dumplings This farm-to-table focused woman owned business uses unconventional combinations to showcase local ingredients.

Smith’s Country Cheese Fresh farmers’ cheese, gouda spreads, cheese sticks, havarti, swiss, cheddar.

Suzie’s Jams and Jellies Using different fruits and berries from her own garden, Suzie jars her own amazing jams and jellies with them.

Beraka Juice Cold-pressed juices to cleanse your body, mind, and soul.

Olive World Delicious, marinated olives, olive tapenades, Moroccan olive oil, and a one of a kind (fancy) almond butter, showing the world the beauty of olives.

Life. Love. Cheese. A grazing board & catering company and mobile cheese shop. Pick one up and get ready to party!

Food Revolution Popup Shared Culinary Space supporting the start and growth of small food businesses in our community. Different vendors from their shared space come every week!

Venier Forge Sharpening services for knives, scissors and garden tools.

Kindred Crepes Mobile crepe cart that was started in Melrose, gluten free and nut free options available.