The West Windsor Community Farmer’s Market has been named New Jersey’s favorite farm market, number one in the Northeast and placed fourth in the nation in the American Farmland Trust Annual Farmers Market Celebration.
The AFT and the Farmers Market Coalition recently announced the winners of the 14th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event that ran between June 21–Sept. 19.
Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the national winners. The celebration also recognizes top markets in five regions nationwide and in all 50 states.
“Placing fourth in the nation allows us to celebrate and bring more awareness to our nearly 20-year-old market, whose mission has always been to support New Jersey farmers, local food producers and purveyors, create a welcoming community space for all and engender a healthy lifestyle,” said Chris Cirkus, the WWCFM manager.
She added: “Seeing the diversity of markets across the country through the American Farmland Trust Celebration highlights all of us doing this invaluable work. We’re proud to be in good company.”
Founded in 2004 with eight farms and a baker, the WWCFM continues its mission to support New Jersey farmers and food producers and purveyors, connect consumers with the farmers and makers who grow, raise and produce their food, create a welcoming community space and engender a healthy lifestyle. The market is run entirely by community members as a 501c3 and a true labor of love for the community.
“We create a downtown on Saturday mornings by gathering farmers, makers, musicians, and our community-at-large, all around local food, seasonal eating, and a friendly positive environment; it’s just what we all need to kick off the weekend,” Cirkus said.
The market continues to run every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. until Nov. 19. Winter market season runs on the first and third Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the same location.
The market’s farms and vendors come from within 75 miles, with all but one grower from outside of New Jersey.
Shoppers can find numerous items including Jersey Fresh produce, artisan cheese and dairy products, beer, wine and spirits, curries, jams, chutneys, microgreens, mushrooms, sustainably caught seafood, grass-fed/pastured meats and poultry, farm fresh eggs, honey, teas, coffee, locally grown oats, fresh pasta and sauces, and vegan chocolates.
It also offers Lebanese salads and sweets, Polish favorites, alpaca fiber wear, spice blends, naturally leavened breads and baked goods, gluten-free baked offerings and locally grown flowers. Food trucks include savory and sweet crepes, fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls and egg sandwiches, plus vegan breakfast and lunch selections.
Check the market website at wwcfm.org for a complete list of vendors and rotating schedule
High school students and local community members are encouraged to volunteer with the WWCFM; please email manager@westwindsorfarmersmarket.org.
Go to westwindsorfarmersmarket.org/calendar for the schedule of performers and community groups featured each weekend.
The West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market was recognized with a proclamation by West Windsor Council. At rear are council members Michael Stevens (left), Linda Geevers and Martin Whitfield. In the middle are WWCFM board member Craig Goodfriend, market manager Chris Cirkus, market teen board liaison Sidd Janakiram , Mayor Hemante Marathe, town council member Andrea Mandell, and WWCFM board members: Thomas Calabria and JoAnn Parla, and council President Sonia Gawas. At front are WWCFM board members Muthiah Mohan and Curtis Hoberman.,
