When and where is the market & what if it's raining? 

Our market starts its season on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and goes through the Friday of Indigenous People's Day. We're open from 3:00pm-6:00pm on Fridays at Atkins Field, on Granite Street in Hardwick. We are a rain or shine market so we'll be open during that time frame even in inclement weather! 

What's the connection between the Hardwick Farmers Market and the Center for an Agricultural Economy? 

The Hardwick Farmers Market (HFM) and the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) collaborate to support local agriculture. As individual organizations we support farmers, the community, and local economy; by partnering together we maximize and multiply positive impacts to uplift the entire local food system. CAE sees the critical role the market plays in our community and invests in agriculture by employing and supporting the Hardwick Farmers Market Manager, and offering Atkins Field as the physical home for the market. The Hardwick Farmers Market provides a critical venue for consumers and our community to buy directly from our local farmers, prepared food vendors, youth, and artisans. The market creates opportunities to learn and build relationships within our local food system, supporting a shift away from an economy that extracts resources to one that helps regenerate the local economy, enhancing the health of the land and people. Together the organizations help create a vibrant, welcoming, free weekly gathering with live music that celebrates agriculture and brings people together.

How do I become a vendor at the Hardwick Farmers Market? 

You can find everything you need to apply by visiting the 'Join Us' tab on our website. The application for any given year is generally released by March 1st and due by March 15th. We send acceptance letters by April 1st and only approve applications beyond that date on a rolling basis IF there is a gap in our vendor/product line up. Folks who do not meet the 3/15 deadline may be added to a waitlist for day vending throughout the season. 

What is Crop Cash & am I eligible? 

Crop Cash is a state-wide program facilitated by NOFA-VT which the Hardwick Farmers Market participates in. Essentially, anyone who receives EBT benefits is eligible and can receive a free dollar for dollar match (Up to $20) to purchase local fruits, veggies, herbs, seeds, and plant starts at the market! This program DOUBLES your food budget and helps support our vendors. There's no sign up required so if you receive EBT benefits and want to learn more, all you have to do is come to the Welcome/Information shed during open hours and we'll walk you through out it works.

What's the deal with 'Market Bucks' and 'Meal & Grocery Vouchers' 

Due to the generosity of the CAE, we have been able to partner with them in creating & providing these two other types of market currency, 'Market Bucks' and 'Meal & Grocery Vouchers.' 

Market bucks are an additional match to EBT benefits spent at the market which can be used on any food items that are intended for human consumption. (Example include: meat, eggs, bread, maple, honey, jam, pickles etc.) Meal and grocery vouchers are different in two ways: One is that they can be used on hot/prepared meals (unlike most other currencies) and they are distributed to the general market community on particular chosen days and are not tied to EBT benefits. 

What are Farm to Family Coupons?

The Farm to Family Coupon program is another way in which our market helps support food access initiatives. Farm to Family is run by the Department of Children and Families and they distribute booklets containing $6 coupons to eligible individuals & families through designated agencies (such as: local health office and/or community action agency like NEKCA) The farmers market accepts these coupons as payment on eligible products (fresh fruits, veggies & herbs) but does NOT distribute the booklets themselves.   

What's the best way to stay informed about what's happening at the Hardwick Farmers Market?

There are lots of great ways to stay up to date with what's coming up at the market. Coming to the market regularly helps keep you up to date but you can also check out the news/blog portion of our website, find us on Instagram and/or Facebook or sign up our newsletter. We also try to post about special events & other updates on Front Porch Forum whenever possible. 

What can I expect to find at the market besides food? 

The market has lots of dynamic offerings beyond just food (although there's a lot of that too!) We often have crafters & artisans who vend with us so you can find amazing artwork, handicrafts & other wares. We also have live music every week, offered by numerous talented local musicians. It's not uncommon to have a nonprofit on site distributing information and/or resources; some examples include: Nonprofits, raffles with prizes, the local library etc. We also regularly have a kids activity tent so that youngsters have a fun & safe space for some age appropriate entertainment. Whenever possible we partner with other local folks like Bread & Puppet or Circus Smirkus to bring some fun & exciting programming to Atkins Field as well! 

Why should I purchase locally? 

Purchasing locally grown and produced food/goods helps support small businesses and the local economy. Food purchased from our region is super fresh, meaning that it’s better for you and it tastes better too! It also hasn’t traveled across the country (or world!) which means that it’s better for the environment! When you spend your food dollars locally, the farmer receives more compensation for their work, since there isn’t the middle man of a wholesaler/grocer. We also know that it’s way more FUN to shop at the farmers market and we think that’s reason enough!