Nestled along the Schuylkill River between Allentown and Philadelphia, you’ll find the charming borough of Pottstown, which plays host to an incredible open-air farmers market from May through October, with pop-ups in between. The Pottstown FARM (Farm & Artisan Regional Market) is a regional farm and artisan collective and PA Preferred® member. Its seasonal, weekly market brings a bounty of fresh, local agricultural products and handmade goods to the entire community, and its innovative programming supports access and food security to youth and those who are particularly underserved.
As a PA Preferred member, FARM guarantees you’ll find a plethora of PA-grown and harvested ingredients at its markets. Director Sheila Dugan says, “We love to be a part of an organization that stresses the importance of locally grown products. Promoting locally owned farms and farmer’s markets helps people know where they can purchase and learn about local growing. The sustainability factor is important when you understand why ‘local’ is important. Local farmers at our market get to know their customers and learn about the things they find most important. You can’t get that kind of service everywhere, but at the Pottstown FARM, you’ll find it at every market.”
FARM offers local produce, beef, bacon, bread, pickled veggies, sauces and sweet breads as well as handmade, artisan jewelry and earth friendly products. Many new vendors have joined FARM in recent years, widening the variety of foods and products available. FARM leadership also connects with other area market directors to share ideas and feedback in a way that’s mutually strengthening.
Read more of what Dugan shared about what it’s like to manage FARM, its challenges and the magic of locally-grown food:
PA Eats: What do you love about what you do?
Sheila Dugan: I love the fact that FARM has played a big part, through the years, in helping people build their businesses, and we continue to promote and understand the ins and outs of business ownership. I love it when new vendors join us, and I am sad when some move on for numerous reasons. Knowing we are bringing fresh products to the community and making the market a fun place to meet friends and enjoy Saturday mornings makes it all worth it to me!
Pottstown FARM vendor isRiel Handmade
What makes Pennsylvania a special place to grow food?
I think everywhere that grows produce is awesome. PA is widespread in its weather challenges, but also has wonderful products it produces well. The difference in taste from local produce to that trucked in from far away is amazing and once people understand this piece, local is where they stay.
Pottstown FARM vendor Microgreen FX
PA has a nice variety and I try to give people options on how to eat produce they may be unfamiliar with, such as some squashes come the fall. It is always fun to know we helped people understand and how to prepare items we sell at the market.
What sets FARM apart?
Kid beekeeper’s at FARM’s 2024 Bee Our Guest event
We are a non-profit, and our mission is unlike other local markets. We have three programs we support: The Two Bite Club (for children under 12), SNAP Incentives (supporting the buying power of SNAP recipients) and a partnership with Operation 143 (providing fresh, complimentary groceries to families during the summer). Our goal is to help promote local growers and make sure that those in need have access to these local products.
Pottstown FARM (Farm & Artisan Regional Market) is open every other Saturday from May through November 1st at 100 E. High St., Pottstown. You can check out its array of scrumptious Farm to Table Recipes to help you make the most of your market bounty.
This series was created in collaboration with PA Preferred.
PA Preferred® is a statewide program that promotes locally grown and processed agricultural products from Pennsylvania.
- Photos: Pottstown FARM
