Partnership will bring new market to Burnham’s Field in downtown Gloucester.
Backyard Growers, a food equity nonprofit organization, and the City of Gloucester today announced that they are partnering in a mayoral initiative to launch a new farmer’s market in spring 2024. In partnership with the City, the market will be managed and operated by Backyard Growers at Burnham’s Field, a centrally-located public park in downtown Gloucester.
Over the past decade, Burnham’s Field has seen significant revitalization, and is now a locus of community activity, including a playground, walking paths, and athletic fields. The Field is also the site of the Backyard Growers-managed Burnham’s Field Community Garden, where over fifty local households grow their own food in two areas of raised garden beds.
“We are thrilled that the Verga administration approached Backyard Growers to lead the new farmer’s market,” said Alison DiFiore, Backyard Growers Executive Director. “The team who built the original Cape Ann Farmers Market created an amazing community resource and we’re honored to carry on the tradition of connecting Cape Ann through food. Backyard Growers is committed to cultivating healthy, connected, resilient communities, and a strong local food system is critical to achieving that mission. A farmer’s market that prioritizes public access, community development, and economic opportunity for small-scale farmers and business owners is an integral component of a resilient local food economy.”
The food produced in and around Gloucester is unique in its ties to the City’s fishing heritage as well as the contributions of the culturally diverse people who have called Gloucester home over the centuries. The new market will increase access to local food for everyone who lives in Gloucester and add a bustling weekly market to a thriving public park.
North Shore- and Cape Ann-based market vendors will provide food and produce including fruit, vegetables, eggs, fish, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, and more. The market will focus on increasing access to fresh food in a downtown Gloucester food desert.
“We are excited to join forces with Backyard Growers to meet a need in our community and create a new tradition in Gloucester,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work hand in hand with a well-established organization that knows the significance of nurturing not only our green spaces but also the health and well-being of our residents. This program represents a step forward in creating more access to local, fresh, and nutritious food. We are thrilled to see Burnham’s Field come alive each week with the flavors of our region.”
For farmer’s market updates and more, please visitwww.backyardgrowers.org.
Good Morning Gloucester 