LONGPORT The Borough has canceled the Longport Farmers Market for the 2018 season. The market was scheduled to open June 30, but is being canceled due to a lack of food suppliers.
Since Longport's first farmers market in 2016, the area has seen a number of new markets open, often drawing on the same pool of vendors and participants," Mayor Nicholas Russo said in a press release. "This season, the Longport market has lost some key vendors. We were hoping that we could fill these spots with new vendors before the season started. That has not happened."
The Longport Farmers Market first opened in June 2016 and was started as part of the borough's process towards attaining bronze certification in the Sustainable Jersey program. The goal of the market was to help provide access to local fresh foods, support local growers and businesses and to raise sustainability awareness.
The market was held every two weeks Saturday mornings during the first year and weekly last year. It faced stiff competition from other farmers markets located in Brigantine, Ventnor, Margate, Ocean City and Middle Township. Several smaller markets have cropped up in Somers Point and Atlantic City.
"We are sad to see the market go, but at this time it makes sense to cancel. I know a lot of hard work goes into the market and I would like to thank all those involved, in particular the Longport Farmers Market Committee, Russo said.
The Margate Community Farmers Market opens 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays, June 14 through Aug. 30 at Steve & Cookies By the Bay, Monroe and Amherst avenues.
The Atlantic City market opens for the summer season 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, June 24 through Sept 9 on the Boardwalk at Bartram Avenue.
