The St. Michaels Farmers Market Open until December 5

Autumn on the Eastern Shore—the corn fields have been cut for winter, our gardens are put to bed ’til spring, and bands of Canada geese have settled in and made themselves comfortable on the Chesapeake Bay. But don’t let the cool weather fool you. The region’s farmers still have a bounty of beautiful food for the local community.

Now through November 21, see for yourself at the St. Michaels Farmers Market (SMFM), which wraps its 29th season the weekend before Thanksgiving, followed by a special holiday market on December 5. For the next few weekends, swing by to see friends, family, and neighbors while stocking up on both the late season’s harvest and holiday provisions. Think an abundance of fresh greens. Beets, carrots, radishes, and more root vegetables. All the squash, both edible and decorative. Loads of garlic. Pasture-raised pork, beef, and chicken. Orange-yolked eggs. Just-caught rockfish. Just-baked bread and pastries. The last flowers of the year, as well as festive wreaths.

As the only producer-only farmers market in Talbot County, every item sold at the St. Michaels Farmers Market is certified to be grown or made within 60 miles of their namesake town. In turn, every dollar spent goes back into the local economy, supporting small farmers and small food businesses, and fostering a more resilient community for us all. And with both summer visitors and local students now back in school, the support of local customers means more than ever.

The SMFM also prides themselves on supporting fresh-food access for all. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides important financial benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase eligible foods at approved markets and retail stores. As the only farmers market accepting SNAP, WIC, and EBT in Talbot County, they even offers matching dollars for participating customers, thus doubling their ability to buy healthy local groceries. Through a weekly Gleaning Program, vendors and customers alike also donate ingredients to the St. Michaels Community Center and Royal Oak Community Food Pantry.

Located in the public parking lot behind Pemberton’s Pharmacy at 206 S. Talbot Street, the SMFM operates on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 11:30am, rain or shine. To keep up with the St. Michaels Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook and Instagram via @loveyourfarmer, check out their website at stmichaelsfarmersmarket.org, and sign up for their weekly newsletter.