HAMPDEN — Curbside pickup has grown in popularity over the past year. Now, a local farmers market is hopping on the trend to keep business going.
“We have maple syrup, we have eggs, we have microgreens, we have vegetables, we have grass-fed beef, pasteurized pork, baked goods,” said Lauri Philbrick, market manager for the Hampden Farmers Market.
Since 2011 Philbrick and around 16 vendors at the Hampden Farmers Market at the Kiwanis Civic Center have been selling food to the community.
Everything from breakfast to the glass of wine at the end of the day, as Philbrick put it.
“This is all stuff that’s raised here locally,” Philbrick said.
It began as a summer market until about six years ago when they decided to stay open year-round from 2 to 4 p.m every Friday.
Philbrick said they’ve seen fewer visitors than normal.
“A lot of it has to do with the economy, the indoor situation, people don’t want to come inside,” she said.
They have a new system this year to make getting groceries easier. You just drive up to the front of the building, give them a call when you’re there, and they bring the groceries to you
“If you can support your local farmer, they’re going to support you,” Philbrick said. “They’re going to bring you the stuff that is so much better for you to eat.”
Philbrick shared the connection you make with farmers at a local market. She said you can talk to them, ask questions about the food, and learn how they raise their products.
“These are things you can’t ask off a shelf,” she added.
An order for curbside pickup can be placed on their website. Philbrick said there’s one thing that some customers say they miss most.
“It’s that personal feeling,” she said. “They’ve been customers for our for years and they just want to be able to give us hugs.”
