Support your regional producers

Posted

Kennedy Plaza Farmer’s Market
1 W. Chester St. (Corner of Park Ave. and National Blvd.), Long Beach
(516) 543-6033, bmartin@ligreenmarket.org

Everything sold at the Kennedy Plaza Farmer’s Market in Long Beach has been regionally grown, raised, caught, prepared or crafted. For that reason, all stands at the market are manned by producers, as opposed to vendors.

Producers, many of who are farmers, fishermen, or create food items, are either locally situated or from Upstate New York. From May through November, this market is open on Wednesdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Director of LI Green Market, Bernadette Martin, is a Long Beach resident with a background in horticulture. She was formerly the farm inspector for the New York City Green Market. She would examine farms in Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and on Long Island, making sure everything was up to standard, and they were selling only what they produced. Her job also included going out on fishing expeditions.

Martin also oversees three other LI Green Market locations, in Nesconset/Smithtown, Kings Park, and North Shore LIJ in Great Neck. This is the seventh season.

In addition to certified organic vegetables and greens, Kennedy Plaza Farmers Market’s agricultural products include Long Island corn, potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, squash, onions, fresh herbs and fruit. You might find cheeses, milk, honey, coffee, wine, pickles, pasta, smoked pork, preserves, and sometimes, poultry. Shellfish and regional fish are sold, as well as baked goods like gluten-free breads, cakes, pies and cookies. For the home you’ll find hand-made soaps, cut fresh flowers and potted plants.

The mission-based LI Green Market helps the money exchange remain local, and gets involved in other meaningful projects. They donate to soup kitchens and try to get jobs for people. They sponsor internships for students at local schools. Events can include cooking lessons, Long Beach Historical Society speakers, gardening talks and workshops, and activities for children.

More information, including a photo gallery, can be found on www.ligreenmarket.org or on the Facebook page for Kennedy Plaza Farmer’s Market.