Ocean County Farmers Markets To Check Out: 2021 Guide

Summer is quickly approaching, which means local farmers markets will be popping up across Ocean County. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit local businesses hard, it's the perfect time to support these local businesses, farmers, and artisans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the pandemic also brought new challenges to food security and that having access to healthy food options "are an important part of overall physical and mental health" during this time.

The CDC states that outdoor farmers markets are a "lower risk shopping option" that benefits both shoppers and the community. Guidelines include mask-wearing, social distancing, and maintaining good hygiene.

So if you're looking to buy fresh produce from a local farmers market, check out this list of locations in the area:

Barnegat Farmers Market
14 Birdsall St.
Thursdays, June 17-Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Farm-fresh produce, baked goods, dip mixes, coffees, artisan honey and crafts and home goods vendors. More information on the Barnegat Township website.

Berkeley Township Farmers Markets
Berkeley Recreation Center, 630 Atlantic City Blvd. (Route 9), Bayville
Tuesdays, May 11 to Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2401 Central Ave., South Seaside Park, near Island Beach State Park
Mondays and Fridays, May 10 to Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits and a variety of specialty vendors. More information on the Berkeley Township website.

Brick Farmers Market
Windward Beach Park, Princeton Avenue
Saturdays, May 1 to Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, artisan and specialty food items, baked goods and more. Read more: Brick Farmers Market Is Back For 2021

Lacey Farmers Market
Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 Lacey Road
Fridays, June 4 to Oct. 15, plus holiday market Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, artisan and specialty items. More information on their Facebook page.

Seaside Park Farmers Market
Marina Lawn, Central Avenue and J Street, Seaside Park
Mondays and Fridays, May 26 to Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fresh produce, specialty items, baked goods and more. For more information check the Seaside Park website.

Surf City Farmers Market

713 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City
Mondays, June 21 to Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to noon
The proceeds from the market benefit the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company and EMS. Fresh produce, specialty foods and more. For more information check their Facebook page.

Toms River Farmers Market
New Life Church parking lot, 700 Main St.
Wednesdays, May 19 to Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enter off Colfax Street. Fresh produce, baked goods, pet treats, New Jersey wines, flowers, home decor and a smoothie truck. For more information check out the Downtown Toms River website.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com