East End Food Market to Launch Second Winter Season

Following a successful spring and summer season, East End Food Market will open its doors for a second winter season at 9:00am on Small Business Saturday, November 26, 2022.
A special blessing and land tribute will be offered by a member of the Shinnecock Nation at 8:45am.

As farm stands close up for the season, the indoor East End Food Market aims to meet continued demand, providing access to locally grown produce and locally prepared foods to area residents and visitors. The market is open Saturdays through April 29, 2023 from 9:00am to 1:00pm, except for December 24 (Christmas Eve) and 31 (New Year’s Eve).

Visitors can shop from over 40 local vendors, including farms, small food businesses, wineries, breweries, and craft vendors. Enjoy related demonstrations and activities in partnership with local nonprofit organizations. Check the calendar at riverheadmarket.org.

Admission to the market is always free, and many vendors accept Double Up Food Bucks, a program designed to help SNAP-enrolled customers stretch their dollars to purchase fresh, local produce, plants, and seeds.

“We had a great spring and summer season at the market, and enjoyed the opportunity to host some special events and themed months as well,” says Market Manager Nicole Petti. “The second season of the winter market is set to be a tremendous success and we look forward to incorporating new partners and programs into the mix.” 

Among the partners featured at the market will be a renewed collaboration with East End Arts Council, which will curate featured artists to display their work at the market. North Fork artist Kara Hoblin will return on opening day to showcase and sell her work, including the beautiful mural she painted on the exterior of the building to launch the first market season in 2021.

East End Food Institute Executive Director Kate Fullam will be present at the market on Saturday, November 26 and throughout the winter season to share information about future plans for an East End Food Hub at the site and to gather community input that will help guide the expansion project. Images of the planned campus are posted at the market and at eastendfood.org.

“Everyone deserves access to nutritious foods, and it’s our vision to make that a reality,” says Fullam.“East End Food Hub, paired with a year-round indoor farmers market, will make locally grown foods more accessible by providing our farms and food businesses with more opportunities to thrive.