Looking for a place to go on the weekends this summer? Visit the Eastchester Farmers Market!
Every Sunday, starting on June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bronxites will be able to participate in the first annual Eastchester Farmers Market, which will be located in the rear parking lot at Country Markets Supermarket, 344 White Plains Road.
The Eastchester Farmers Market, primed to be a hot summer attraction on Sunday mornings and afternoons, will showcase both appetizing and healthy foods from established vendors.
Freshly baked baguettes, crunchy pickles, juicy tomatoes and soft ripened cheese are just a few of the food options that will be on display at the farmers market.
“A farmers market is a special and important place where consumers can directly connect with producers and vendors,” said Samantha Friedman, market director of the Eastchester Farmers Market. “There are no secrets here – you can learn about how your food is made, where it comes from and meet the very people who either harvested, baked or bottled it.”
Samantha, who is coordinating the 20 farmers market vendors, is continuing three generations in the food business, after her grandfather, Bronx-born Harold Friedman, opened HALSID supermarket on Bathgate Avenue in 1948.
“It’s hard to believe that almost 70 years later, I’m following his legacy and operating a market of my own!”
Samantha stressed the importance of providing the community with access to healthier food options.
“The goal of this market is to strengthen access to local, healthy foods and to connect people in the community to resources that can improve their quality of life,” she said. “By visiting (the Eastchester Farmers Market), you’re not only fueling your body with food you can feel good about, but you’re also supporting local farmers, businesses and community members.”
Samantha came up with the concept for the farmers market along with her younger sister, Jaxie, a farmer and seasoned market manager.
Vendors for the Eastchester Farmers Market include Picklelicious, which won the Reader’s Choice prize for ‘Best Pickles, Olives and Hummus’ in a contest held by Bergen Health & Life Magazine last year; Bien Cuit, a bread vendor which was voted ‘One of the 10 Best Baguettes in America’ by Bon Appetit Magazine; and Red Barn Bakery, a vegan and gluten-free vendor which has been acknowledged in the New York Times and on the Martha Stewart Show.
Those who plan to visit the farmers market are advised to bring an empty tote bag with them to stock up on the variety of produce, breads, meats, vegetables and other items that the market has to offer.
Sunglasses and/or sun hats are also encouraged.
The farmers market will run for over four months until it concludes on October 15.
For more information about the Eastchester Farmers Market, visit www.faceb
