Shoppers looking to support local agriculture and live more sustainably will have a perfect opportunity this weekend as the Cunningham Park Farmers Market returns on Sunday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The open-air market, hosted by Down to Earth Markets, is held in the Cunningham Park lot off Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows, and will continue every Sunday through December 21.
The market’s return coincides with Earth Day celebrations, which take place worldwide on Tuesday, April 22.
Down to Earth Markets encourages customers to treat every day like Earth Day by making climate-conscious food choices—starting with their plate. In recent outreach, the market team emphasized how shopping locally and eating seasonally can drastically reduce the carbon “foodprint” of a typical diet. Compared to the industrial food supply chain, which requires energy-intensive manufacturing, packaging, and long-distance transport, buying from local farmers helps cut fossil fuel use at every step.
Founded in 1991, Down to Earth Markets has helped lead the push to bring community-based farmers markets to New York City neighborhoods, providing both economic opportunity for small-scale producers and increased access to healthy food in urban areas. The Cunningham Park Farmers Market, serving eastern Queens, is one of dozens across the city and part of a broader movement to reconnect urban residents with regional food systems.
The market features a wide selection of local produce, artisanal foods, baked goods, dairy products and other items—all from regional farms and small-batch producers.
In the spirit of Earth Day and community wellness, visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bags and containers and to make conscious choices that support both their health and the health of the planet.
For more information, including vendor listings and seasonal updates, visit downtoearthmarkets.com
