Janice Piccolo, Manager of the Chatham Farmers Market, gave an update on the very successful weekly event, which is held 8:00AM to 1:00PM every Saturday until November 19 in the railroad station parking lot. Janice previously managed the Madison market for 15 years. Now in the fifth year of operation, the Chatham Market serves multiple purposes for the community.
Some key ingredients are environmental activism, farmers directly sell source verified consumer confident products, encouraging volunteerism (25 volunteers on the Market committee), a chance to meet socially with your neighbors, nutrition and good health, a venue to publicize programs like the Mayors Wellness Program and the “know your numbers campaign”, civic support for local not-for-profit service organizations (27 visited last year), a gathering space for enjoying entertainment like the Chatham Brass Band and other artists and performers.
The Chatham Market belongs to organizations like the Farmers Market Coalition of the United States and New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities. They try to maintain the New Jersey farmer’s land to avoid urban sprawl and help farm families earn a living by farming.
Volunteers, dressed as corn and tomato marched in this year’s Independence Day Parade. Janice offered a volunteer badge to anyone in the audience.
Many special events at the Market were listed on complementary bookmarks handed out to members.
Visit the Chatham Farmers Market website to learn more. The Market also has a Facebook Page.
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