Mercer County Farmers Markets To Check Out: 2021 Guide

MERCER COUNTY, NJ —Summer is quickly approaching, which means local farmers' markets will be popping up across Mercer 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:

Trenton Farmers Market: This is the oldest and best place to find fresh produce in the county. In the early 1900s a group of farmers came by horse carriage to Trenton to sell their produce and since then, this market has been a major draw for residents looking for freshly harvested produce. The market’s location is at 960 Spruce Street, Lawrence Township. The market is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out the vendor’s page before going. And if you like to see what the market looked like back in the day, you can find vintage photos on their website.

Princeton Farmers Market: A popular place for locals to find fresh produce, the Princeton Farmer’s Market operates on select Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is set up in the Franklin Avenue parking lot as it's spacious. From freshly-baked goodies and organic oils to fresh produce, handmade jewelry, and soap – you can find what you’re looking for. The next market is scheduled for April 29. You have the option to pre-order your produce and even opt for contactless payment methods. Click here to check out all upcoming farmer’s market dates.

West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market: For 16 years, community organizers have been helping local farmers sell their produce at the West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market (WWCFM). The market is held at Vaughn Drive Lot, Princeton Junction Train Station, every Saturday, May through Thanksgiving. WWCFM has also partnered with the Garden State Good Food Network to help people utilizing SNAP/EBT benefits. For each $1 SNAP market token purchased, WWCFM matches another $1 token towards the purchase of more fruit and vegetables, up to $20 a market day.

Great Meadow Farm & Market: This place is a new concept in local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships. Conveniently available to the Princeton and Lawrenceville community, this place offers fresh local vegetables curated by some of New Jersey's top chefs. Great Meadow Farm has a limited amount of CSA signups available for their 2021 season, so you need to sign up fast.

Did we miss out on your favorite farmers market? Let us know where. Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com