Farmers markets in and around Philly are the best place to get local and organically grown fruits and veggies and loads of other homemade items. The produce is fresher, lasts longer, there’s less handling than in the big grocery stores since it’s going from the grower to the customer, and on top of it all, you’re supporting small local businesses.
Here’s a list of some of the best farmers markets in Philadelphia:
Reading Terminal Market
When: Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia
Reading Terminal Market is one of the country’s oldest public markets. It offers locally grown and sourced produce and meats as well as seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections. There are restaurants and craft stalls also. See the Reading Terminal Market Web site for details about safety and parking. You can also shop online or call the store directly to arrange delivery.
The Food Trust Farmer’s Markets
Food Trust Farmers Markets operates 20 farmers markets in Philadelphia. The markets accept SNAP benefits and Food Bucks. Listed below are some of the markets in the system.
Fitler Square
When: Saturdays year-round from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 23rd and Pine streets
Look for: produce, plants, kombucha, and coffee.
Clark Park Saturday Farmers Market
When: Saturdays year-round, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (9:30 to 10 a.m. is reserved for seniors and immunocompromised individuals)
Where: 43rd Street and Baltimore Ave.
This is one of the Food Trust’s largest markets, offering fruits, vegetables, baked and canned goods, meats, and specialty products.
Headhouse Square, 2nd and Lombard streets
When: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. reserved for seniors and immunocompromised)
Where: 2nd and Lombard streets
The market is in the Society Hill neighborhood and features rotating vendors that offer produce, locally prepared foods and artisanal goods like soups, ice cream, coffee, and wine. They are operating under their winter schedule until May.
Fountain Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. May to November
Where: East Passyunk Avenue at 11th and Tasker streets
The market is organized by Farm to City with locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, local honey, fresh cut flowers, baked goods, maple syrup, and more. Visit the Farm to City Markets Web site for a full list of vendors and produce available.
Rittenhouse Farmer’s Market
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until May, when hours change to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 19th and Walnut streets
While shopping the Rittenhouse Farmer’s Market isn’t currently the social experience it used to be, you can still find quality items such as bakery goods, wild bison, exotic mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, fresh spring produce, seafood, and more. For a list of vendors as well as pandemic precautions, visit farmtocitymarkets.com.
Italian Market
When: Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: S. 9th Street from Wharton to Fitzwater streets
The 9th Street Italian Market is the nation’s oldest continuously operating outdoor market, spanning over 20 blocks! You can shop for fresh produce, meats, poultry, cheese, seafood, bakery goods, prepared Italian favorites, and more.
Visit the Italian Market Web site for details on which merchants are offering curbside shopping, takeout, and delivery.
Farmer’s market
