Arlington Farmers’ Market began in 1996 as a way for the community to support local farms and enjoy local foods. The first market managers were Oakes Plimpton and Pat Jones.
In 2006, Patsy Kraemer took over management and became the friendly face that everyone knew each Wednesday at the Farmers’ Market.
Patsy approached local nonprofit Arlington EATS to see if managing the Arlington Farmers’ Market aligned with their mission. EATS had already been integrated into the Arlington Farmers’ Market as they provided counseling on SNAP benefits and launched a Fresh Bucks. In 2023, Arlington Farmers’ Market became a program of EATS. Our focus on food security means that all of our community can shop together and access the same high-quality, healthy products.
EATS programs create an engaged and active community in which everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food and understands the causes and effects of food insecurity. Managing the Arlington Farmers’ Market and providing more access to fresh, local food through SNAP benefits and Fresh Bucks is one of the ways EATS is fulfilling their mission.