There is a great deal of excitement in picking out your own fresh produce at a local market. Much of it is organic, and all of it is healthy. But there’s so much more to it than that. Each market has its own distinctive style, some with live music and entertainment, some with special fairs, some with arts and crafts tables.
Head out to a morning market and you’ll find someone selling fresh coffee, and someone else with muffins and scones. At an evening market, you might get that bag of potatoes and a place to buy dinner to boot. More than anything, when buying produce at a market, a bit of conversation is all it takes to connect you, the consumer, to them, the people who grew the food. Instead of a nameless corporation, the tomato in tonight’s salad is now connected to a face.
Farmers markets can accommodate more than cash or check. The markets also supplement low income residents through the WIC, EBT and senior checks programs.
Senior checks go out to seniors who are enrolled in the state’s Commodity Supplemental food Program (CSFP). Bernalillo county seniors in the program who want vouchers can pick them up beginning July 1st at the ECHO warehouse, located at Suite 226 at 300 Menaul NW, in Albuquerque. Vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis.
The WIC, or Women, Infants and Childrens program, supplements low income women with children to ensure they get fresh, healthy foods.
The EBT/Food Stamps program supplements low income families with fresh foods by providing wireless EBT machines in designated markets.
ABQ Uptown
Where: Northeast parking lot at ABQ Uptown shopping center, Louisiana and Indian School
When: 7:00 a.m. – Noon, Saturdays and Tuesdays
Market Runs: June 27 - October 31
The market once located at the Caravan at Louisiana and Central has a new home: ABQ Uptown. Head out for opening weekend on June 27, which will be the grand opening at Uptown, and for the season.
For more information, call Ken Hays at (505) 869-2369.
The market accepts WIC, EBT and senior checks.
Albuquerque Downtown Market
Where: 8th & Central at Robinson Park
When: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturdays; 8:00 a.m. – Noon September and October
Market Runs: June 6 - October 31
The market opens June 6. There will also be a special ribbon cutting on June 20th, with special appearances from Mayor Chavez and more.
Contact Carolyn Espe for information at (505) 243-2230 ext. 127.
The market accepts WIC, EBT, WIC and senior checks.
Albuquerque Nob Hill Growers Market
Where: Morningside Park, Lead & Morningside SE
When: Thursdays, 3 pm - 6:30 pm
Market Runs: May 21 - November 5
The Nob Hill market has a small, solid core of growers and has a pleasant park setting. On June 25, head out for the 3rd annual Nob Hill Neighborhood Association BBQ. It starts at 5:00 p.m., and features food, drinks and a chance to meet your neighbors.
For information on the BBQ, contact Chris at 379-2763. For information on the market, contact Georgia Daves at (505) 869-3553.
The market accepts WIC and senior checks.
Belen Growers Market
Where: Anna Becker Park, Hwy 309/Reinken Ave
When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fridays
Market Runs: May 1 – October 30
For more information, contact Jenniffer Singleterry at (505) 401-4390, or Claudette Riley at (505) 459-6159.
The Belen market accepts EBT, WIC and senior checks.
Bernalillo Farmers Market
Where: West side of Camino del Pueblo (Hwy. 313), south of Our Lady of Sorrows Church
When: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fridays
Market Runs: July 10 - October 30
Don’t forget the New Mexico Wine Festival on August 30 and September 1 from noon to 7:00 p.m., which will feature the wines of New Mexico. Head out for the fun of arts, crafts, food, music, and of course, the wine.
For market information, contact Bonnie Hill at (505) 867-9054.
This market accepts WIC and senior checks.
Corrales Growers Market
Where: Recreation Center, 500 Jones Road and Corrales Road, south of the post office
When: 9:00 a.m. – Noon Sundays; 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays starting July 8
Market Runs: April 26 - October 25
Winter Market: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., first Sunday of the month
Runs: November - April
The Corrales market is one of the busiest around, with many special events.
June 21: Father’s Day Tractor Show and music of the Bleeker St. Boys
June 28: Music of the Rough Ridge Raiders
July 7: Music by David Palsce
August 16: Historic Tractor Show
September 6: Corrales Fire Department Fundraiser and Health Show and the music of Rex Warren
September 27: The not to be missed Corrales Harvest Festival, with music of the Squash Blossom Boys
For more information about the market and its events, contact Mary Jane Rodriguez at (505) 898-7927.
This market accepts WIC and senior checks.
Edgewood Farmers Market
Where: 87 North Frontage Road, Wildlife West Park
When: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays
Runs: June 23 - October 15
The Edgewood market opens June 23. The winter markets run Saturdays from 9:00 am. – 2:00 p.m. at the Edgewood Community Center, next to the fire station and east of the Dairy Queen. Winter markets run from October through May.
For information on the Edgewood market, contact Craig Noorlander at (505) 281-7851.
This market accepts WIC and senior checks.
