Food Pantry Purchase Program
Supporting our Farmers and our community with fresh food
The HLFM fundraises specifically for its Food Pantry Purchase Program, in which we pay our farmers directly for their veggies, fruits, meats, dairy, eggs, and bread to then be immediately donated to local food pantries. We collect produce at the end of every Market alongside Epworth Food Pantry to help disperse fresh, local food to our community.
Farm to Community Program
Purchasing fresh food from small farmers to deliver to local pantries each week
This program is a partnership funded by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program to strengthen the local food system by supporting our small, family farmers and bringing more fresh food to those in need. The HLFM procures, aggregates, and distributes fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and dairy from 19 small farms growing local food for 18 Sussex and Kent County food pantries. Over 4,000 individuals in need are served by food pantries through this program every week.
SNAP Match Program
Getting 20 extra dollars every Market, every week to customers with SNAP Benefits
When customers with SNAP benefits come to the Market, they are able to receive a match of up to 20 additional dollars to be spent at the Market. With two Markets a week and an average 4.5 weeks a month, that's potentially an extra $180 for fresh, local groceries every month during the Market seasons.
Farmer Scholarships
Helping small, local farmers grow their knowledge and business
Every year, the HLFM awards a number of scholarships to Delmarva farmers interested in learning more about sustainable agricultural practices and focused on growing for the local market. In 2016, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market also established an emerging women farmers' scholarship fund in memory of Debra Schaefer who died that year. It was her family's wish that this scholarship be established in loving memory of Debra, who was a sustainable farmer in Frankford, Delaware.
Gleaning Program
Preventing food waste and providing more fresh food to those in need
At the end of every Saturday Market, HLFM volunteers go around the Market to pick up or 'glean' produce that was not sold that day and would otherwise go to waste. These donations from our farmers go directly to local area food pantries for distribution in Sussex County. Over the years, this program resulted in donations of tens of thousands of dollars worth of fresh local food going to families in need.
Children’s Storytime at the Market
Educating kids on farming, gardening, and healthy eating
Since 2008, over 10,000 children and their adults have met under the yellow tent for Children’s Storytime at the Market and listen to stories that inspire kids to eat healthy and respect all of nature. Every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at 10am, Children’s Storytime at the Market has engaging volunteers (often retired teachers!) reading stories and entertaining families visiting the HLFM Saturday Summer Market with tales of garden adventures, fruit and veggie friendships, and much more!
WIC and SFMNP Programs
Increasing food access at the Market for families and seniors
We accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits as well as SFMNP (Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program) benefits at our Markets.