Where to get fresh produce and locally prepared foods (plus, maybe a little family fun)

Above: Chestnut Hill Farm has fresh produce and local prepared foods for sale. And area Farmers Markets offer both local foods and a fun outing for families. (Photo left from Facebook right by Beth Melo)

One of the great things about summer is all the fresh produce. If you’ve only been getting your food at the supermarket, you’re missing out.

There are quiet a few options worth checking out – including one today and some over the weekend. 

Chestnut Hill Farm‘s Farmstand is conveniently located in town. In addition to the fresh produce grown right there, they offer prepared foods from local vendors. The stand is open from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (during CSA hours). It’s also open on Saturday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. (This summer, they are accepting SNAP/EBT cards.)

In September, Southborough’s Fay School will be hosting a weekly Farmers Market. Until then, there isn’t one in Southborough. But you don’t have to drive far to find one. There’s a farmers market open nearby five days per week:

(Note: For details on whether or not they accept SNAP/EBT, WIC, Senior coupons, etc – check the state’s directory, here. They all appear to accept at least one of those programs, but details vary.)

Saturday:

Ashland Farmers Market – Open Saturdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm through October 8, on 125 Front Street.

Featuring: over 25 food vendors, 3 artisan tents, a community and town table, live music, event days, food demos, and the Kids’ Corner. Tomorrow, they’ll be celebrating their 100th day.

Sunday:

Hopkinton Farmers Market – Open Sundays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm through October 15, on the Hopkinton Common (corner of Marathon Way and Ash St).

Featuring: produce, meat, seafood, eggs, breads, prepared foods and artisans.

Tuesday:

Marlborough Farmer’s Market – Open Tuesdays from 2:30- 6:00 pm through September 26 at Main Street-Union Common

Featuring: fresh vegetables, eggs, organic crafts, pastries, granola, jam, and more.

Hudson Farmers’ Market – Open Tuesdays from 3:00- 6:00 pm through October 31 at Avidia Bank Parking Lot, behind Town Hall (off of Church Street)

Featuring: fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, prepared foods and more, plus live music.

Wednesday:

Shrewsbury Farmers Market – Open Wednesdays from 3:00 – 6:30 pm through September 27 at Shrewsbury Senior Center Parking Lot, 98 Maple Ave (behind Shrewsbury Town Hall).

Featuring: fresh fruits and vegetables including specialty Asian and micro green produce. Local, grass fed, free range and antibiotic free meats including sausages, ground meats and cuts, eggs and cheese. Artisan and handmade baked goods, gourmet brownies, fudge, alpaca fleece products, and more.

Thursday:

The Westborough Farmer’s Market – Open Thursdays from noon – 6:00 pm through September 28 at the Congregational Church in downtown Westborough.

Featuring: Dozens of varieties of fresh vegetables, cage free eggs, Massachusetts maple syrup, wine, beef, lamb, pork, fresh baked bread, brownies, and artisan goods. They also feature live music and a children’s activity/craft each week.

Framingham Farmers’ Market – Open Thursdays from noon – 5:30 on the Village Green (60 Edgell Road).

Featuring: Farm fresh produce; grass fed beef, pork, poultry, eggs, fresh fish, breads, local wine, various artists and assortment of food artisans.

Did I miss something? If you’d like to share your favorite places to get fresh food, comment below.