With the coming of Mother’s Day comes also the siren song of the Farmers Market. It is fitting that the market should bring the bounty of spring’s renewal to Greenbelt on the day that mothers – historically the nurturers of family – are celebrated.
The new season began for volunteers with a recent afternoon celebration at Schrom Hills Park to welcome them in anticipation of the new season. With fruit and home-baked cakes and goodies, it was an informal and fun opening to the season. New volunteers are always welcome. Sign up at the info booth or online at greenbeltfarmersmarket.org/get-involved/volunteering.
Changes
This year sees one big change. The individual most familiar to many recent market-goers, Market Manager Frances Ippoliti, has moved on (though whether there are pastures greener than GFM is open to discussion). She had only one season under her belt when the Covid-19 pandemic almost brought the market to its knees in 2020. That year and the tricky times that followed, she overcame the difficulties with energy, flair and courage.
The market will miss Frances, but welcomes a well-known face at the market who is stepping in as market manager: Julie Clare. Coffee afficionados will recognize her as the face of Zeke’s Coffee during these last several seasons. Clare is familiar with the market and its culture and well qualified to keep crowds and vendors well-organized.
The board also has a mix of veteran and newer members. Board President Terry Kucera, Treasurer and SNAP Manager Carissa Ralbovsky are the longest serving, followed by Government Coordinator Jeff Lemieux and Vendor Coordinator Scott Fifield, Vice President/Communications Coordinator Tanea Manning and Board Member Billy Kennedy.
Who’s There?
Most of the market’s old friends are back this season with new vendors Puzzle Pieces (plant- based dining), Ruby Roo (dog treats) and Plexus Herbs. A range of choices is open to customers in almost every dimension: fruits, vegetables, baked goods, prepared foods, beverages and lotions and potions. Represented are farms and producers from around the region, from right here in Greenbelt and stretching out to produce vendors within 100 miles or in Maryland. Imagine, determined vendors drive nearly 100 miles to bring food just so Greenbelters can eat it up. Residents are encouraged to support this generosity of spirit.
SNAP Matches
The SNAP program will once again be operating, and funding is available to match the first $30 of purchases for eligible participants. Start at the information booth to get tokens and then spend them on approved purchases at any vendor in the market. Blue plastic SNAP tokens from 2022 are still valid at this time but those holding them should hurry up and use them.
Time and Place
The market begins Sunday, May 14 at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. every Sunday until the week before Thanksgiving, with the exception of Labor Day when the space normally devoted to the market is given over to the Labor Day Festival. The first Sunday in December then sees the Holiday Market, a free-and-easy celebration that coincides with the Arts and Crafts sale in the Community Center. For more information, visit GreenbeltFarmersMarket.org.