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By Evan Milberg
May has arrived, which means farmers market season has begun. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruit or vegetables, Northern Virginia has a multitude of locations that can give you an alternative to supermarkets. Here are five things to know about farmers markets this year, and here’s an updated listing to markets across the region: Northern Virginia Farmers Market Guide.
1. New farmers market at Mosaic District
Central Farm Markets has brought a farmers market to the Mosaic District in Merrifield. Starting Sunday, the Mosaic Central Farmers Market will feature over 40 farm stands and food suppliers including Number 1 Sons, Liberty Delight, Springfield Farm, Medditerrafish, Rita’s Crepes, Haute Saison and neighboring restaurant Ovvio Osteria will offer to-go packages of pastas.
Opening day festivities include: live music by Grammy-nominated White Loafer, cooking demo by Matchbox and free market bags from CustomInk.
2. Town of Dumfries Farmers Market is closed this year
Dumfries’ market does not have a community manager to run the farmers market this year. They will, however, be back in 2015.
3. Smart Markets is now at Tysons Corner
Smart Markets, which has locations in Bristow, Lorton, Manassas Park, Oakton, Reston and Springfield, has expanded to Tysons Corner this year. Vendors at the Tysons location will include Celtic Pasties, Crepe Love Truck, Deborah Joy’s Gluten Free Bakery, Georgetown Barkery Dog Treats, Gypsy Hill Dry Rubs and Herb Mixes, Hardy’s Divine Ribs and Chicken, Hidden Creek Farm, Kustom Koffee, Ignacio’s Produce, Mt. Airy Country Store, Tyson Farms and Orchards, Sweet Nuna, Valley View Bakery and Whim Pops.
4. Fairlington could get a farmers market
According to ARLNow, there have been multiple groups interested in bringing a farmers market to the Fairlington neighborhood in Arlington, including the Arlington-based Field to Table nonprofit and the Fairlington Citizens Association. Both organizations are eyeing the Fairlington Community Center at 3308 S. Stafford St. as a location.
5.Many local farmers markets accept SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which offers “nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families,” is available at many farmers markets, including Old Town, Columbia Pike, Arcadia, Lorton, Mount Vernon, Reston, Buckland, Fredericksburg, Mayfield and Manassas.