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Trenton Farmers Market

The Trenton Farmers Market is New Jersey’s oldest continuously running farmers market, established as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1939 and located on Spruce Street in Lawrence Township since 1948. It offers a vibrant selection of Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, Amish meats and poultry, Polish deli specialties like kielbasa, artisan cheese, baked goods, BBQ, rotisserie chicken, vegan options, clothing, jewelry, handbags, home goods, essential oils, handcrafted soaps and body care, sweets, donuts, local wine, burgers, fries, and more.

Check them out at https://thetrentonfarmersmarket.com/

Market History

• Founded by local farmers who originally sold produce near the Trenton Makes bridge in the early 1900s.

·         The Trenton Market Growers Cooperative Association purchased property on Spruce Street in 1939 due to city infrastructure needs.

·         The market opened at its current location in 1948, evolving from outdoor stalls to an indoor, cross-shaped building by 1968.

·         The market currently includes six or seven farms in its cooperative, some of which serve on the board.

What’s Available

• Local produce: Fresh fruits, vegetables, root crops, and greens year-round.

·         Meats and poultry: Amish vendors provide high-quality chicken, beef, and pork; Polish and Eastern European vendors supply kielbasa and other ethnic meats.

·         Prepared foods: Baked goods, rotisserie and BBQ chicken, sandwiches, crepes, pierogis, vegan and gluten-free dishes at notable vendors such as Lady and The Shallot.

·         Artisan and craft goods: Handcrafted soaps, body care products, essential oils, clothing, jewelry, handbags, homewares, and gifts.

·         Specialty items: Sweets, donuts, local wine, burgers and fries, teas from around the world, and seasonal specialties.

Notable Features

• The market features around 40 different vendors and operates year-round, indoors and out, depending on the season.

·         Shoppers include locals and visitors seeking ethnic foods (Polish, Amish, Spanish), vegan options, and Jersey Fresh produce at competitive prices.

The market building is organized in a cross-like shape, with each section specializing in different goods.

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Stults Farm

Stults Farm is a 212-acre preserved family farm in operation since 1915, passed down through five generations of the Stults family. It has evolved from growing potatoes and wheat to a diversified operation with fruits, vegetables, and a “Pick Your Own” program, while maintaining strong roots in family tradition and direct farm marketing.

Early History

• In 1915, Clifford Addison Stults purchased a 93-acre farm, focusing on potatoes and wheat.
• His son, Stanley C. Stults, joined him in farming in 1944 and took over the business in 1950.
• By 1966, Stanley purchased the farm from his father’s estate.

Second and Third Generations

• In 1968, Stanley’s son, Stanley C. Stults, Jr., began farming alongside him after graduating high school, expanding into soybeans along with potatoes and wheat.
• Through the late 1970s and early 1980s, the family leased and farmed nearly 600 acres, producing potatoes, field corn, soybeans, and wheat.

New Direction in the 1980s

• In 1984, Stanley Jr. and his wife Jill Ellen purchased the farm. With leased land disappearing due to housing developments, they shifted into higher-density crops and introduced “Pick Your Own” strawberries and peas.
• Potatoes, wheat, and soybeans remained core crops during the transition.

Modern Operations

• Today the farm focuses on direct sales through a farmstand and their Community Supported Agriculture (C.S.A.) program.
• Offerings include a wide range of fruits and vegetables, as well as “Pick Your Own” pumpkins every October.
• Field corn, wheat, and soybeans are grown as rotation crops.

The Stults Family

• Owners: Stanley and Jill Stults.
• Their son Brian, his wife Jennifer, and their three children, including son William (born 2008, the fifth generation), actively live and work on the farm.
• Their daughter Amy, with her husband Michael and their two children, are also part of the extended family.

Check them out at http://www.stultsfarm.com/

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Garden Farm Market

Garden Farm Market has been serving the Central New Jersey area since 1991, providing residents with a lively and enjoyable shopping experience that blends a traditional market feel with modern facilities. Their stalls offer a rich selection of goods, including locally grown potatoes and many other fresh, local products, in a vibrant setting praised for its atmosphere.

Locations and Offerings

• Garden Farm Market operates in multiple locations, such as Newark, Metuchen, North Brunswick, and Morrisville, offering easy access to customers across Central New Jersey.
• Shoppers can expect diverse products ranging from fresh produce to seafood, cheese, cold cuts, and flowers—making it possible to complete most shopping needs in one place.
• Locally grown produce, including potatoes, is highlighted as part of their “Jersey Fresh” commitment to quality and supporting area farmers.

Community and Experience

• The Market is well-regarded for its vibrant, friendly atmosphere, modernized facilities, and a tradition that appeals to long-time locals and newcomers alike.
• Seasonal displays—such as pumpkins, fruit, or flowers—create a sense of community and celebration, enhancing the shopping experience.
• Recent updates, such as improved parking, have further increased convenience for visitors.

Regional Significance

• Garden Farm Market’s commitment to offering local produce supports New Jersey’s strong agricultural heritage, particularly through programs like Jersey Fresh, which promote locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
• By connecting local farmers directly to consumers, Garden Farm Market helps maintain sustainable agriculture and keeps the region’s food culture thriving.

In summary, Garden Farm Market stands out as a staple in Central New Jersey, known for its excellent selection of local products, including potatoes, lively vibe, and dedication to supporting the local economy and farming community.

Check them out at https://www.gardenfarmmarket.com/