Emanating a unique charm and housing a wealth of healthful choices, the Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market is not your typical shopping haunt. Explore this vibrant, year-round market that finds its home at Rittenhouse Square Park, offering a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Rittenhouse Farmers Market: Fresh, Local and Health Produce
Emanating a unique charm and housing a wealth of healthful choices, the Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market is not your typical Saturday or Tuesday shopping haunt. This vibrant, year-round, producer-only market finds its home at the lush green Rittenhouse Square Park and offers a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
With a mission deeply rooted in advocating for the local food movement, the market has been actively forging connections between Philadelphia and its peripheral rural territories since 2005.
What they do is not simply provide a marketplace for farmers to sell their crops, but strive to establish a balanced and beneficial food system. This framework not only favours the economic success of family farms but is also a potent force to preserve our rapidly disappearing countryside.
The story behind each item is equally impressive, most hailing from the local region – within a radius of 150 miles from Philadelphia. In this blog post, we guide you through this amazing market, highlighting the delicacies it has to offer and all the different vendors present here,Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market History
Peering back into the annals of the farmers market Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, we find a tale enriched with determination, passion and, above all, a relentless pursuit of change. One name stands tall in this tale: Bob Pierson, the man with the vision to redefine Philadelphia’s relationship with food.
Bob Pierson: The Vanguard of the Local Food Movement
From the 1990s, Bob had been an instrumental figure in the city’s local food movement, marking the inception of over two dozen producer-only farmers’ markets in the area.
A man of multiple talents, he operated a Winter Harvest Buying Club for many years, facilitated CSA farms to find thousands of members, and built an interactive website that galvanized farmers and communities to establish their own local food hubs.
Bob’s affinity for nature and public service had roots in his familial environment. His father was an esteemed landscape architect and planner, who commenced the Bucks County parks program and the Bucks County Conservancy, now the Heritage Conservancy.
On the other hand, his mother was a devoted schoolteacher who schooled young Bob and his siblings to appreciate the beauty of nature. These early exposures to nature and public service shaped Bob’s ethos and later inspired his incredible journey in the local food movement.
From Vision to Action: The Advent of Farm to City
In 2000, Bob embarked on a novel journey. Leaving The Food Trust, he founded Farm to City, an enterprise dedicated to advocacy for farmers. Since its inception, Farm to City has opened numerous new farmers’ markets, reinforcing the ethos of local produce.
A Significant Chapter: The Birth of Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market
In 2004, Bob teamed up with a Philadelphia City Council attorney to create a new segment in the City Code for the regulation of farmers’ markets. This pivotal act led to the birth of the Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market in 2005.
The City further extended this law to all farmers’ markets on public land, highlighting the influence of Bob’s initiative. In recognition of his tireless efforts, the Philadelphia Inquirer named Bob “the father of Philadelphia farmers’ markets”.
Further accolades followed, with local magazine GRID honouring him as one of the “fantastic four who brought farm fresh food to our city”. Today, every vibrant Saturday and Tuesday at Rittenhouse Square Park stands as a tribute to Bob Pierson’s visionary pursuits.
Rittenhouse Farmers Market Location
The Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market finds its place at a distinctive address, 2401 Walnut Street, Suite 102. This is not just an ordinary location. It is a vibrant nook that mirrors the city’s lively spirit.
Surrounded by the historical charm of Philadelphia, PA 19103, this lively farmers’ market is an exciting intersection of city life and rural bounty. Gear up to explore, this unique, bustling space that is a hub of freshness, quality and community. See you there, every Tuesday and Saturday for a shopping experience, like no other!
How to Open a Vendor Booth at Rittenhouse Farmers Market
Opening a vendor booth at Rittenhouse farmers market Philadelphia PA is a fantastic opportunity to share your produce with the community. Follow the simple steps below to get started:
Step 1: Read the 2023 Market Rules
To ensure eligibility, take a moment to review the 2023 Market Rules available on the Rittenhouse Farmers Market website here.
These rules cover important guidelines regarding your products, fees, insurance, and other requirements.
Step 2: Fill Out the Producer Application
For farmers, food artisans, and kitchen craftspeople, complete the Producer Application form on the website [link]. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided and double-check your information before submitting it. Remember, accuracy is key!
Step 3: Non-Profit Application
If you represent an organization seeking to register voters or educate the public on nutrition and environmental matters then please select the Non-Profit Application option. Read the instructions, fill out the form, and submit it accordingly.
Step 4: Await Additional Requirements
After receiving applications from returning Producers, the Rittenhouse Farmers Market team will send out requirements for liability insurance and food safety licenses. These additional documents are necessary for producers of processed food.
Step 5: Decision Time
The Market team will review all applications, both from new and returning Producers, to determine the best fit for their market openings. They carefully consider each applicant and make their decisions about filling openings in the latter part of February.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of the Rittenhouse Farmers Market community.
Rittenhouse Farmers Market Timings
Ready for a delightful journey into farm fresh heaven? This vibrant market is open twice weekly on Saturdays and Tuesdays providing ample chances for you to immerse yourself in healthy and local goodness. Saturday mornings come alive at the market from 9 am until 2 pm as artisans display their wares under colourful tents.
Whether you’re an early bird or prefer a more leisurely pace this weekend destination has something for everyone. Get ready for a dynamic shopping experience that sets just the right tone for your weekend!
Need something fun midweek? Head over to the corner of 18th and Walnut Streets on Tuesday mornings from 9 am until 2 pm! The Rittenhouse Farmers Market greets guests with open arms as they peruse locally grown products with all-natural flair.
Give yourself (and your routine) a boost of health and wellness with this bustling and lively market experience! Enjoy your time as you meander around several stalls where passionate vendors are eager to chat about their products while you revel in discovering fresh farm produce galore.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, artisanal foods, or kitchen crafts, the Rittenhouse Farmers Market is the place to be. Immerse yourself in the bustling stalls and chat with passionate vendors.
Join the vibrant community, shop local, and indulge in the flavours of the region. The Rittenhouse Farmers Market welcomes you with open arms, every Saturday and Tuesday, to experience the joy of buying fresh, supporting local producers, and embracing a healthier lifestyle.
FAQs About Your Rittenhouse Farmers Market
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How Does Rittenhouse Farmers Market Support Local Farmers?
This Market provides not just a place for local farmers to sell their products, but also a platform for advocating a healthier, sustainable food system. It forms a bridge between urban and rural communities, and aids the local economy by promoting locally grown, seasonal foods.
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What is the Rittenhouse Market’s Schedule?
The Market opens every Tuesday and Saturday. On both days, the market operates from 9 am to 2 pm.
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Can I Become a Vendor at Rittenhouse Farmers Market?
Yes, anyone can apply to become a vendor at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market. Interested parties should first review the Market Rules and then complete the Producer Application form available on the market’s official website.
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Where is Rittenhouse Farmers Market Located?
The Market resides at a distinctive location: 2401 Walnut Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rittenhouse Farmers Market Address
Rittenhouse Square
1800 Walnut St, Philadelphia,
PA 19103, United States
Check out More Farmers Markets
We have made guides like this one for other farmers markets across the United States. Check out more such guides in our Farmers Market Near Me section!
Hannaan Kirmani
Hi, I'm Hannaan, a freelance writer with a passion for creating engaging content. For the past 5 years, I've had the pleasure of working with amazing clients from countries like the UK, USA, Ireland, and the UAE. I love crafting stories and articles that not only inform but also entertain readers. Each project is a new opportunity to connect with people worldwide, and I'm always excited to bring ideas to life.