AUBURN — A fresh and local food market has opened in New Auburn. The “4 Season Farm Market” opened in late spring of this year.

Auburn farmers Kathy Shaw and Joe Gray of Valley View Farm set up shop at the corner of Mill and Third streets, across from the Pontbriand’s Hardware building. 

“Our emphasis is on fresh, local food,” Shaw said while weighing bags of fresh-grown spinach. 

Beet greens, garlic, arugula and spinach are picked from their high-tunnel greenhouse. Radishes, leeks and kale are also crops which will be offered in the market, Shaw said.

Chicken, duck and quail eggs are available, along with pasture-raised meat, potatoes and tomatoes. 

Shaw has made contacts from participating in the growing Maine farm market scene and will offer items from those contacts as the store gets up to speed.  

“We will have something different all the time,” Shaw said.

Fresh milk, yogurt and cheese from Winter Hill farm in Freeport to fresh baked bread on Saturday mornings to coffee from Crossroads Coffee Beans in Gray will be for sale.

Shaw plans to offer homemade soups and stews as well.

The market will be open year-round. “That’s the plan right now,” Shaw said.

The market’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. 

Poland Farmers Market moves to high school parking lot

POLAND — The Poland Farmers Market is back and has moved to the student parking lot at Poland Regional High School every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. through September.

In partnership with the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center and the Lewiston Farmers Market, the Poland Farmers Market is offering a Fresh Food Champion program, which allows SNAP and WIC recipients to receive matching dollars to purchase more fruits and vegetables each time they use their SNAP or WIC at the market.

Vendors for the season include Pearl’s Fresh Produce, Verrill’s Vegetable Stand, Mainely Soap, Stevens Family Farm with Beef, Chicken, Turkey and Pork, Swallowtail Nursery with potted plants, Wonderland Farm and Bakery home baked goods and bread made with Maine grown grains plus a variety of day vendors.

The Farmers Market is now able to accept SNAP (food stamp) benefits along with credit cards. And, in partnership with the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center and the Lewiston Farmers Market, the Poland market will also offer a Fresh Food Champion program. The program allows SNAP and WIC recipients to receive matching dollars to purchase more fruits and vegetables each time they use their SNAP or WIC at the market.

Customers will get $1 in market dollars for every $2 spent with SNAP or WIC up to $10 a day. Market dollars are not cash but can be used like cash to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables the day a customer receives them or later in the season.

Funding is made possible from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with MaineHealth and Access Health,a project of Mid Coast Hospital.

To learn more about the Poland Farmers Market, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/PolandFarmersMarket.