The Alternative Press

NEWTON, NJ – Town of Newton officials, key staff members and business leaders met in Downtown Newton today with the Foodshed Alliance, the group currently organizing the Newton Winter Farmers’ Market, to prepare for the upcoming Summer Farmers’ Market.

“The winter market has been so successful, we’ve developed a customer base here,” said Kendrya Close, Director of the Foodshed Alliance.

The Foodshed Alliance was started with a mission to grow a sustainable local food system, and currently oversees the Blairstown and Sparta Farmers’ Markets as well.

The Newton Winter Farmers’ Market is held in the Springboard Shoppes every Saturday from 10am to 2pm, with participating merchants from both the Sparta and Blairstown locations. Items available include: locally grown produce, farm raised beef, lamb, pork and poultry, fresh baked goods, artisan breads, farm fresh eggs, honeys, jellies, jams, and syrups, seasonal and specialty items, and, items created from local artisans.

The Newton Winter Farmers’ Market runs through Apr. 28.

“I was pleased to convene a meeting on Spring Street today with key staff members and business leaders to ensure that the plans for the Summer Farmers’ Market in Newton are handled correctly and in a timely fashion,” said Thomas S. Russo, Jr., Town Manager for the Town of Newton.

Russo said the Summer Farmers’ Market is planned to begin every Tuesday beginning June 5, and running through Oct. 30. Approximately 10 to 18 vendors will be stationed along various locations on Spring Street from 11am to 2pm during the Summer Farmers’ Market days.

“The Winter Farmers’ Market, which was graciously hosted by Jonathan Andrews and The Springboard Shoppes has been extremely successful,” Russo added. “With everyone’s cooperation, we will be able to maintain the success and enthusiasm that have been added to the already bustling downtown business environment in Newton.”

The Foodshed Alliance will provide a proper insurance certificate, to be validated by the town’s insurance agent, Keith Mitchell, Russo said. Once it is approved and signed off on, the market can proceed.

“It’s such an asset to this street,” said Town of Newton Councilwoman Kristen Becker, a Spring Street business owner, and, a member of the group who joined Russo today. “There’s such an increase in foot traffic. I’ve heard nothing but good feedback. It’s an experiment that I hope grows into permanent.”

“The town is excited by this continued partnership with the Foodshed Alliance, and looks forward to making Newton their home for many years to come,” Russo said.

For more information about the Foodshed Alliance, see the group’s website: www.foodshedalliance.org.