Farmer’s Market Becoming a Staple in the Wayne Community

Since opening day on June 1^st, the Wayne Farmer’s Market has enjoyed a steady stream of visitors each week.  People come for the fresh produce and other natural goods as well as the fun activities for families.

“The Wayne Farmer’s Market has truly become a destination for the Wayne community,” explains Jill Goordman, Farmer’s Market Manager.  “Shoppers are pleased with the wide variety to choose from and their kids are entertained with old fashioned fun while they shop.”

In addition to the vendors, the past two months have been chock full of special activities at the Market, including a magic show, jazz band, bounce house, a visit from Santa Claus, music from Bach to Rock, giant backyard games, and so on.  Community benefits such as blood pressure checks have also been at the Market.  The coming weeks will bring more live music, climbing wall, and a blood drive.

“The Wayne Farmer’s Market fills different needs for folks in the community,” says Cathy Scutti, the Wayne YMCA’s Health & Wellness Director. “Not only is access to fresh food and produce made accessible for everyone, there are also health screening options available at no cost.  The Y is working hard to bring health and wellness out into the community and meet people where they are.”

All of these exciting offerings do much more than just provide entertainment for the market-goers.  The Farmer’s Market helps to foster overall community well-being in the following ways:

• Creating a place to connect and engage
• Increasing the feelings of belonging
• Encouraging good health with healthy eating options
• Promoting exercise by locating the Market in a central location that is easy to access on foot or by bicycle

The Wayne Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday, except Labor weekend, from 10am – 1pm in the parking lot of the Wayne Municipal Complex located at 475 Valley Road in Wayne, NJ.

For more information, contact Cathy Scutti, cscutti@metroymcas.org.