Union County Farmers Markets To Check Out: 2021 Guide

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Summer is quickly approaching, which means local farmers markets will be popping up across Union 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 all the locations in the area:

Summit Farmers Market

Sundays, April 18-Nov. 21

The Summit Farmers Market opened April 18 and runs through Nov. 21. It's a New Jersey-based market and supports the farmers and other purveyors in New Jersey.

The market is located at Park & Shop Lot No. 1 corner of DeForest Avenue and Woodland Avenue. They look forward to welcoming all our vendors and customers back to the market with revised guidelines for the safety of all.

Masks or face coverings are required for all customers and vendors. The COVID-19 Market Guidelines can be found in the link below.

Customers will enter and exit at the vehicle entrance on DeForest Avenue to Park & Shop Lot No. 1. Vendors will offer a touchless pay system in additional to cash.

Here is the market's 2021 Covid Guidelines.

Westfield Farmers Market

The Westfield Farmers Market announced that it will kick off May 8.

"The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that the 2021 Farmer's Market in downtown Westfield will begin on Saturday May 8 at 8:30 a.m.," said the announcement. "Old Village Farms, Paolo's Kitchen, Reasons Wine, Unique Snacks, Family Band LLC, Clifford Farms, High Mountain Foods, and La Bonn Bake Shoppes have committed to return. Added this year are The Soupeteer, Three R Stronger and Grandma Emma’s. We are still in negotiation with many other potential vendors. As more sign up to come to our Market, we will let you know."

Gene Jannotti, the CEO of the Greater Westfield Chamber, said it will run every Saturday through October at the North Avenue Train Station Parking Lot in downtown Westfield. The Market is open from 8:30 a.m until 1 p.m.

Scotch Plains Farmers Market

"Folks...the Scotch Plains Farmers' Market opens on May 1st. Can you believe it is almost here?" read an announcement on the market's Facebook page. "We can't wait as we are just so excited as more, and more, of the 'Best of the Best' vendors are joining us as we prepare for our 29th Season. Heck, no doubt, it is going to be a fabulous one too. We are looking forward to welcoming you. See ya soon."

More details: The market will run Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting May 1, at 430 Park Ave., municipal parking lot.

Details and history can be found at Scotchplainsfarmersmarket.com. And check the Facebook page linked above for updates.

Central Produce Market, New Providence, part of the Farmers Market Group

The Central Produce Market in New Providence, a retail store specializing in produce, is open seven days per week. It's located at 598 Central Ave. Call (908) 898-1800 or check the links above.

You can check out photos here.

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