If you are looking for a farmers market that has many farms, as well as creatives like candles, soaps and baked goods, then Galloway Green Market is the place to be. It’s open on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 7 p.m., on the grounds of the Historic Smithville Village Greene.
The market is in its eighth year and what I love about it is it’s farmer focused. On the evening that I attended there were 30-plus vendors, of which there were at least five farm stands with Jersey-grown produce. There was also the Stockton Project where locally harvested maple syrup can be purchased. The other vendors include creatives and food vendors.
The farmers at this market use no pesticides, organic farming practices and use integrated pest management methods.
The first stand I visited was the Stockton University Sustainability Farm located on the Stockton University campus in Galloway. The student-run farm, which was started in 2012, sits on 1.5 acres and is headed by Sustainability Farm Manager, Richard Vetter.
I spoke with Richard who was delighted to share what the students are doing at the farm, which you can see at their farm stand in the beautiful fruits of their labor.
The red onions and ruby red radishes caught my eye and would be perfect in a summer salad. You can follow them on Instagram at Stockton_sust_farm.
Next stop was a visit with new farm vendors Melanie and Stan, owners of Fluffy Farms, a farm in the New Jersey Pine Barrens that uses regenerative farming practices.
Melanie is a sourdough baker and makes artisanal sourdough breads. By the time I arrived she was sold out of her beautiful loaves, but she gave me a piece of freshly baked blueberry loaf which she was giving as samples.
What is so special about this sourdough is that the grains are sourced locally, and Melanie mills them to make flour. This not only helps support other local farmers, it’s a healthier option. The farm also has seasonal produce and fresh flowers.
Fluffy Farm, named after their beloved family dog, also offers a CSA (crop-sharing agriculture) farm for June/July/August with a pick-up location in Egg Harbor City. A farm share is something to consider for the next season. It is a great way to get a variety of locally grown vegetables and also helps to support local farmers. You can connect with them at www.fluffyfarms.com.
Another family farm, Howey Farm, located in Cologne was also at the market. They were sold out by the time I reached their stand. Owners Richard and Jamie, who is also a school teacher, along with their children work the family farm.
Last year at the market we talked about Richard’s passion for growing peppers. But they also grow Jersey tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and zucchini, so check out their stand on your next visit.
The next farmer I got to meet was Mark Allen who grows micro greens in Galloway. Mark started the business in 2022 in Arkansas where he sold micro greens to groceries, health food stores and local restaurants. He is originally from New Jersey and is an Air Force veteran (thank you for your service) who attended Atlantic Cape Academy of Culinary Arts.
Micro greens might be tiny, but they pack a nutrient punch and are full of antioxidants. They make a great addition to your bagels, omelets, sandwiches, salads and soups – almost any dish. There are so many ways to use these mighty greens.
At the market Mark had broccoli, rose radish and purple radish micro greens. They come in different size containers and he uses a clay packet to help the greens stay fresh for weeks.
You can also freeze the greens and use them in soups. I used the radish greens on many of the dishes I made over the weekend and they were delicious. For more information or to order micro greens follow www.backwoodsdelights.com.
Generous Greens and Flower Farm located in Woodbine, also had fresh produce, sourdough bread and various plants. They are at a few farmers markets this season. I will share more about this farm when I visit next time and you can follow them on social media at www.generousgreens.com.
Sam Mento Farms was at the Galloway Green Market with their fresh blueberries grown on their farm in Hammonton, the Blueberry Capital of the World. Mento Farms is family owned and operated.
Blueberries make for a delicious dessert such as blueberry pie, or add them to a salad with greens, tomatoes and cucumbers, all grown in Jersey. Also if you purchase a few pints you can freeze some of them and in the winter months add them to pancakes.
While thinking about hotcakes, I was reminded of the Stockton Maple Project which was also at the market with their local maple syrup.
Faculty members at Stockton received a grant to promote maple sugaring in South Jersey. They are using the funds for community outreach to teach about the difference between table syrup made with corn syrup, and their fresh maple syrup. You can support them by purchasing some of their delicious maple syrup.
For a family breakfast I warm some maple syrup in a small pot on the stove. I add a handful of fresh blueberries and let them slowly cook just until soft and warm, then pour over my blueberry pancakes.
There is also live music at this market to enjoy while shopping plus other creators with products.
Supporting our local farmers is easy when you shop at The Galloway Green Market. All of the farmers welcome questions and love to share about their businesses. Their passion shines through and you can see it in the products they are producing, from micro greens, produce, vegetables and syrup, to farm-baked sourdough. Just go early because they do sell out!
Photos by Christina Martin
Christina Martin is a dedicated chef educator, passionate advocate for healthy food, and proud mother. She shares her passion for seasonal cooking, plant-based living, and supporting local farms through both teaching and writing. Christina’s plant based expertise has been spotlighted in Independent Restaurateur Magazine.
