Toms River’s Mayor Kelaher Helps Promote New Jersey Farmer’s Markets

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher visited Toms River on Wednesday, June 13 as part of a statewide tour to highlight the nearly 150 farmers markets operating statewide and nine in Ocean County.  New Jersey’s farmers markets offer residents the opportunity to enjoy just-picked, Jersey Fresh produce directly from the state’s farmers, while supporting state agriculture and the local Ocean County economy at the same time.

“All the spring vegetables and herbs are available now, as well as some favorites, such as Jersey Fresh blueberries and sweet corn, which are a few weeks earlier than normal due to an unusually warm patch back in March,” said Secretary Fisher.  “It is a great time to visit one of Ocean County’s nine farmers markets, meet the farmers who grow your food and support the Garden State’s agriculture industry.”

The Toms River Farmers Market is held Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a parking lot at the corner of West Water and Irons Streets.  It features produce from four farmers and a variety of vendors selling everything from seafood and meats to baked goods, nuts and candies.  The market first opened in 2006 and is now operated by the Toms River Business Development Corporation, which administers the Toms River Business Improvement District.

Farmers at many markets throughout the state participate in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides vouchers for the purchase of locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program administered by the State Department of Health and Senior Services allots $20 in checks to qualifying individuals, which are valid through November 30.

Ocean County community farmers markets locations include:

• Toms River Famers Market, corner of West Water and Irons Streets, Wednesdays (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Barnegat Farmers Market, corner of East Bay Avenue and Route 9, Thursdays (12 – 5 p.m.)
• Farmers Market at Jackson Crossing, 21 South Hope Chapel Road, call (732) 747-7846 for days and times
• Forked River Farmers Market, corner of Route 9 and Lacey Road, Fridays (12 – 5 p.m.)
• Point Pleasant Beach Farmers Market, corner of Route 35 and Arnold Avenue, Sundays (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
• Seaside Park Farmers Market, corner of J Street and Central Avenue, Mondays (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Stafford Township Farmers Market, 657 East Bay Avenue, Fridays (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Tuckerton Farmers Market, 120 West Main Street, Saturdays (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
• Waretown Farmers Market, Waretown Lake & Recreation Area on Route 532, Tuesdays (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

For a complete list of community farmers markets throughout New Jersey, visit www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/urban.htm.

For more information on the WIC and Senior FMNP, visit: www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/md/prog/wic.html.

Photo i.d., left to right:  Ocean County Freeholder Gerry Little, Secretary Fisher and Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher.

Posted by Ocean County News on Jun 15 2012. Filed under Community, Headline News, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.