By: Valerie Lonkart
Ah, summer. Long, warm days basking in the sun. Cool nights spent with friends and family. Fresh fruits and vegetables galore. And right here on Absecon Island, the Ventnor City Farmers’ Market, a haven for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. With close to sixty vendors, there is truly something for everyone.
Whatever you’re in the market for, you can find it here. Fresh produce, pasta, juice, prepared food, crafts, candles, cookies, kettle corn, bagels, CBD, flowers, honey, coffee, lemonade and everything in between, it’s all at the Ventnor City Farmers’ Market.
In its fifth year, the VCFM was the brain child of Red Room Cafe owner Maria Gatta and retirees Penni and Andy Starer. “Penni loves farmers’ markets, fresh produce and products. We volunteered at the Margate Farmers’ Market and thought Ventnor needed to have one as well,” said Andy Starer. “This is a way for us to give back to the community, a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in our town. And it makes us feel good when we wake up,” Starer said.
Michele Carty, Conscious Cooks co-owner, said the experience at the Ventnor City Farmer’s Market is great. “This market is really well-done and well-organized. It’s a total community event and everyone helps everyone out. Penni, Andy and Maria walk around and communicate with everyone. They make you feel part of a family and community,” said Carty
“Every year it has grown in terms of crowds and vendors,” said Starer. “We had over 1,800 people on opening day this year. Just a tremendous response with terrific support from the city.”
“We have a great customer base here and sell a lot of products. This market draws a lot of offshore and Ocean City customers,” said Carty, who has been a vendor at the VCFM for three seasons. “Penni, Andy, and Maria put their all into it.”
“The market fosters a sense of mindfulness around what we consume and who we support. This is so important to building a strong community,” said Ventnor resident and customer Lisa Riggio.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey, located in Egg Harbor Township, has had a booth at the VCFM for the past two years. “Our experience here has been excellent. Our exposure at the Ventnor City Farmer’s Market allows us to raise awareness about hunger in our area. They also collect much-needed funds for us. Last year, Sunny’ Sunoco in Margate matched those funds. We are so grateful for this partnership,” said Denise Hladun, Director of External Affairs.
Back by popular demand, the VCFM offers free advice from some “Old Coots.” “We stole this idea from a farmers’ market in Utah,” said Starer. “It’s meant to be something fun for the community.” With the motto “It may not be the best advice, but it’s free,” the tent lends itself to some light-hearted fun and laughter.
Although the VCFM is a separate entity from the City of Ventnor, Starer said the city is incredibly supportive. The public works department sets up the portable bike racks, trash cans, and banners. “Holy Trinity church is also a supportive partner, allowing us to have the market on their parking lot each week.”
The market, a 501(3)(c) non-profit, is run by about 30 volunteers. All proceeds after the bills are paid are donated. Last year the VCFM made donations to the City of Ventnor, Holy Trinity Church, and the Community Food Bank.
Held every Friday morning between 8:30 and noon, the VCFM is centrally located on the corner of New Haven and Atlantic Avenues, across the street from the Ventnor Library.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a vendor, please contact Penni Starer at 484-343-3147 or at ventnorcityfarmersmarket@gmail.com. You can also find the VCFM on Facebook and Instagram.
A former educator, Valerie is a long-time South Jersey resident. She spent over 20 years in the classroom teaching students English and Writing at the middle school and college levels. Prior to working in education, Valerie worked as a professional writer and editor in Washington, D.C. Valerie currently resides in Margate, NJ with her husband and two teenage kids. When not walking the beach with her puppy, she can be found teaching yoga on the island.
