The Historic Lewes Farmers Market (HLFM) is a non-profit, community-based, producer-only, farmers market. Started in the summer of 2006 by a group of volunteers, the market has expanded to 38 vendors.
What is a Community-based, Producer-Only Farmers Market and How is it Different?
A community-based, producer-only farmers market is not just another retail enterprise. It is part of a growing environmental movement trying to pioneer ways to save the land, provide small farmers and small producers a way to stay in business, and to educate our children about the food that we eat.
In addition to fresh produce, eggs, fruits, breads, baked goods, meats, fish, cut-flowers and herbs, the HLFM features workshops by local chefs (using food from the market), master gardeners, and sustainable agriculture experts. Best of all, the market is a place where every Saturday morning from 8am to 12pm we meet our neighbors and make new friends, making our community much stronger.
People worldwide are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. It is fresher than anything in the supermarket, and that means that it tastes great and is more nutritious. It is also good for our local economy buying directly from family farmers and producers helps them keep their land.
Why a Farmers Market in the Center of Historic Lewes?
There have been numerous markets in and around the Lewes area for many decades. The historic square behind King’s Ice Cream (201 Second Street) has been documented as the site of an early market. The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is centrally located just two blocks from that site at the Lewes Historical Society Complex, 110 Shipcarpenter Street. We are located in the heart of Lewes, Delaware in order to encourage folk that are able to get to this market without a car. We encourage you to walk or bike to the market.
What is the HLFM Gleaning Program?
The HLFM gleans (collects donations of extra produce) from the vendors at the end of each market, organizes the produce, and donates the excess produce to Casa San Francisco in Milton, DE, a charity which runs a soup kitchen as part of its mission. This program resulted in donations of over $2,400 worth of donated produce to Casa San Francisco in 2008.
Join Us!
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is completely run by volunteers. The volunteers help set up and take down the market every Saturday. They assist the chefs and others putting on market demonstrations, and, in general, help the vendors during the market hours. You don’t need to have any expertise to volunteer.
If you’re interested in spending a few hours on a Saturday between May 30 and October 10 helping us at the market, please call us at 302-644-1436 or send us an email about volunteering.
“DDA is proud to partner with the HLFM to provide this opportunity for our local farmers. Our goal is to establish a fresh connection between the agriculture community, Delaware residents, and millions of tourists as they enjoy fresh, delicious, quality Delaware agricultural products that are second to none.”
–Kelli Steele, Marketing Communications Officer, Delaware Department of Agriculture
