Winter farmers' markets keep fresh food coming in the colder months

Despite the cold, frigid temperatures local farmers are still finding ways to get fresh food out through winter farmers' markets throughout New Jersey and New York.

Pine Island Farmer's Market
On Sunday, Dec. 14, The Pine Island Farmers Market will hold a Holiday Market that features local artisans from Bee Bloom Pottery, Bertoni Gallery Jewelry and Corky creations. Their wares will include hand made pottery, unique jewelry, cutting boards and more.

"For four years, the W. Rogowski Farm in Pine Island has been hosting the farmers market in the wood-stove heated barn in order to give local farmers and artisans an indoor location to sell their goods during a time of year that can be tough in the agricultural community," said one of the market's coordinators, Sam Alicia. The market is a place for the community to gather somewhere warm, get a hearty healthy breakfast, support local businesses, meet their local producers, and hear local entertainment.

The Pine Island Farmers Market will be open Dec. 14 and 28, Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 8 and 22, and March 8 and 22. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the market includes baked goods, cheese, crafts, eggs, herbs, vegetables, honey, meats, poultry, prepared foods, soap and wine. It is located at 327-329 Glenwood Road in Pine Island, N.Y.

Newton Winter Farmers' Market
Andre and Tracey de Waal, owners of Andre's Restaurant and Wine Bar on Spring Street in Newton, pride themselves on incorporating local produce and products into their products. One way they do this is by frequenting the Newton Winter Farmers' Market.

"The Winter Market is an asset to our community," Andre de Waal said. "I can't say enough about the quality and variety of the products available. I utilize the market for my home as well as the restaurant."

Held in the SpringBoard Shoppes, the market features fresh meats, vegetables, breads, eggs, coffees and varying other products.

Vicki and Al Kopacka own an eclectic store called What in the World in The SpringBoard Shops.

"The market is great and brings in a lot of people to the shops here," Vicki said.

While at the market, visitors can stop in to check out What in the World's stocking stuffers, ornaments and alpaca products.

For more information or to become a vendor, e-mail info@foodshedalliance.org or call 908-362-7967.

According to the FoodShed Alliance, this year's vendors will include Apple Ridge Farm, Glenmalure Farm, Hummus Boss, Kittatinny Mountain Farm, LL Pittenger Farm, Lazy Susan's Granola, Maria's Gourmet Edibles, Paolo's Kitchen, Top of the Mountain Honey Bee Farm and others.

The Newton Market is open now on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will remain in action until late April. For more information, visit njlocalfood.com/newton-winter-farmers-market.

Augusta Farmer's Market
Frances Delgado, of George's Wine Gallery in Branchville, coordinates the Augusta Farmer's Market. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and is located at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in the red building in the front of the grounds on the left-hand side directly after turning into the main entrance.

For further information, visit www.sussexfarmvisits.com/communitymarkets.htm.