Maine Farmer’s Markets: Find Yourself in the Local Produce

by Rachael Reynolds | Feb 18, 2022

What better way to spend a cold winter day than at your local farmer’s market? The farmers market is the perfect place to get fresh seasonal produce and locally crafted products any time of year. While not every market is open during the winter time there are several open and many even move locations in order to be indoors. Check out the list below for some markets local to Maine to see if there is one near you.

1. Maine Farmers Markets locations:

- Augusta Maine Farmers Market is located at the Buker Community Center for the winter months and is open on Tuesdays 3-5PM click the link for more information on vendors and the market Augusta Farmers Market at Mill Park
- Bangor Maine Farmers Market is on their winter schedule! Their outdoor location is across from the Bangor Public Library in Abbot Square on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 11:00-1:00, December-April. Bangor Farmers’ Market (bangorfarmersmarket.org)
- Bath Maine Farmers Market this indoor market takes place in the rustic Freight Shed. Saturdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Nov through April 27 Commercial St., Bath, Maine Bath Farmers Market » Winter Market
- Belfast Maine Farmer’s Market is open on Friday from 9:00AM-1:00PM and is located at the Aubuchon Greenhouse November-March Belfast Farmers’ Market (belfastfarmersmarket.org)
- Brunswick Maine Farmers Market winter market is located inside Fort Andross at 14 Main Street and they are open Saturdays 9:00AM-12:30PM Brunswick Winter Market – Home
- Camden Maine Farmers Market while they do not seem to have a winter market they are open on Saturday between 9:00AM-Noon starting early May through October and in mid-June on Wednesday between 3:30PM-6:00PM Home (camdenfarmersmarket.org)
- Hallowell Maine Farmers’ Market at Stevens Commons appears to have Pop Up times in winter months and is otherwise open Saturdays 9:00AM to Noon June through October. Visit their Facebook page for updates on Pop Up days and times.
- Portland Maine Farmers Market the winter market is open on Saturdays from9:00AM-1:00PM and is located at 631 Stevens Ave in Portland Portland Farmers’ Market (portlandmainefarmersmarket.org)
- York Maine Farmers Market operates every Saturday 9:00AM-1:00PM, late May through October, rain or shine. 1 Stonewall Ln
  In the back lot of the Greater York Region Chamber Visitor Center, off Rt 1 & I-95, Exit #7: It does not appear that there is a winter market.

For a market that is not included on this short list visit https://nfmd.org/me to search for a market near you.

2. If you aren’t able to get to the farmer’s market you could consider a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

- Individuals and families can sign up for a CSA through local farms that offer them or through a third party, as part of a group, like a faith based organization or community center.
- CSAs provide a way for consumers to purchase seasonal fresh produce while supporting local farmers and for farmers to sell directly to the public.
- Farmers will offer CSA shares, memberships or subscriptions to the public and the people that purchase them will receive a box or package of seasonal produce each week.
- Some farms allow consumers to customize what produce they receive while other do not.
- Orders are either picked up at the farm or the farmer may arrange to drop off at centralized community locations.
- To find a farm that offers a CSA that would work for you, you can contact farms local to your area or search online at org

3. Have you heard of Maine Harvest Bucks?

- You can stretch your SNAP dollars by using Maine Harvest Bucks at over 50 locations that include farmers’ markets, farm stands and CSA’s. For every $10 you spend with SNAP/EBT, you can earn $5 in Maine Harvest Bucks that you can use that very same day or save for another visit to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
- To learn more about Maine Harvest Bucks, and access a map that shows locations that have Maine Harvest Bucks or a similar program called Farm Fresh Rewards (used in retail settings) you can visit – Maine Harvest Bucks.
- Look for this logo when you visit your local farmers’ market.

4. What’s in season?

- If you aren’t sure what produce is in season and would like to have some ideas before you venture out to your local farmer’s market, you can check out this great list at What’s In Season? – Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (mainefarmersmarkets.org)

5. Now that you have all that produce, are you wondering what you should do with it?

- If you are looking for healthy recipes to make with your newly acquired fresh produce you can check out the recipe finder at Maine SNAP-Ed recipes: low-cost ingredients and simple prep methods or Cooking Matters . Both links will allow you to search for recipes for a particular meal, type of diet or ingredient. The recipes are designed to use everyday kitchen equipment, and low cost ingredients.