By Patrick Donachie
Delicious and fresh food is on the menu for the Jamaica Farmers’ Market, which celebrated its opening weekend for the year last Saturday.
Between 500 and 1,400 people attend the Jamaica market each day, according to a spokesman for Down to Earth, which runs the market. Assorted vendors, including Alex’s Tomato Farm, based in Sprakers and Gajeski Produce, located in Riverhead, offer vegetables, baked goods and other special treats.
Down to Earth currently operates nine farmers’ markets throughout New York City, as well as several others upstate. The organization, which was founded in 1991, coordinates with vendors that can supply fresh produce for attendees.
The Friday market will also include Meredith’s Country Bakery, which specializes in baked goods and is based in Kingston, and Migliorelli Farm, which is located in Tivoli and will offer fruits, vegetables, beverages and specialty foods.
The event, sponsored by Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, has been held in the community since 1974, and this year marks the first time that EBT cards will be accepted for purchasing items.
The Farmers’ Market will be held every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located on Parsons Boulevard between Jamaica and Archer avenues Friday and at 90-40 160th St. between Jamaica and 90th avenues Saturday. The market’s annual Harvest Festival will be held Oct. 15.
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
