Page 4 • Wednesday , July 11 , 2018 • The Hammonton Gazette
Town ’ s farmers markets see success on local roadways
MARKET , from Page 1 customer service , which are two of the key factors that makes the Garden State well-named .
“ if you don ’ t support your farmers … we ’ re just going to be a quick chain of importing , and that kind of defeats the purpose . You don ’ t want to get rid of the farms ; you want to help them ,” zora alfonso , owner of Hammonton farmers market Waretown farms ( 515 White Horse Pike ), said . alfonso , along with her husband , Dennis alfonso , recently joined Hammonton ’ s distinct group of farmers markets with Waretown farms after previously operating the establishment in Southampton twp . and Waretown over the past two-plus decades . During that time , they have both picked up on the trends and nuances of a rapidly-growing industry that has come a long way from the days of tiny roadside farm stands at which drivers could stop to browse , sometimes with no one else present .
Dennis alfonso said he believes this increase in farmers markets ’ popularity is due to the public ’ s growing desire to know where their food is coming from and what process goes into bringing it from the farm to the refrigerator , which is often best satisfied at their local market .
“ People are getting more health conscious . they want fresh stuff , not just the supermarket ,” Dennis alfonso said . as the public ’ s interest in farmers markets grew , so did the alfonsos ’ business . in hopes of capitalizing on this rising freshfood frenzy , they opened two market locations this year , one at 515 White Horse Pike and another at Square Deal farm Market ( 276 White Horse Pike ), which is located just about a mile down the road from Waretown farms on the opposite side of the road . although the support from the Hammonton community has been very strong and appreciated , Dennis alfonso said today ’ s farmers markets must also strive to attract shoppers from outside of the town limits , which he hopes to collectively accomplish all summer with Waretown farms and Square Deal farm Market .
“ i ’ m hoping to get more tourists going east on a friday and coming west on a Sunday . i can ’ t just depend on Hammonton ,” Dennis alfonso said . fortunately for the alfonsos , many of Hammonton ’ s farmers markets bring in customers from all over the region . Pastore Orchards ( 626 S . White Horse Pike ) is home to 300-plus acres of farmfresh crops , such as blueberries ,
tomatoes and peaches , which attract frequent out-of-town visitors like Marlton resident Marty Squitieri , who said he always makes a point to support local farmers markets , especially during the summer months , when he searches for peaches , tomatoes and watermelon .
“ if i ’ m passing by , i ’ ll stop and see what looks good and pick up
THG / Stephen Pistone .
Above : Evelyn Penza pulls a fresh pie out of the oven at Red Barn Cafe and Pie Shop . Left : Ron Fisher waters rows of annual vinca plants at Ron ’ s Gardens , located at 959 14th St . With nearly 60,000 square feet of greenhouses and an additional five acres dedicated to outdoor plant production , Ron ’ s Gardens is a popular destination for local horticulture enthusiasts , especially during the summer months
a couple of things … i like to support local establishments ,” Squitieri said .
Part of the success of the farmers markets in the Hammonton area is due to the market owners and their customers consistently sharing the same devotion and cognizance of readily-available , fresh and local produce . Because of this , many local markets make
THG / Stephen Pistone . To purchase photos in The Gazette , call ( 609 ) 704-1940 .
Square Deal Farm Market has been on the White Horse Pike in Hammonton for many years , and is now operated by Dennis Alfonso ( pictured right ), who also owns Waretown Farms with his wife , Zora a point to keep their inventory as locally-sourced as possible , if not grown directly on-site . for example , Glossy fruit farms , located at 66 S . Myrtle St . ( off of route 206 ), gets all of its produce from farms within a 10-mile radius in addition to possessing 500 acres of farmland , growing fan favorites such as tomatoes , blueberries and more every summer .
Located across route 206 from Glossy fruit farms is red Barn Café and Pie Shop ( 375 route 206 ), which not only provides
customers with all the fresh , local produce they could wish for , but also takes those fruits and vegetables and incorporates them into several popular breakfast , lunch and dessert dishes — all served in a cozy , country restaurant setting .
Hammonton resident John Brancato is a proud shopper at many of Hammonton ’ s farmers markets , but said red Barn is one of a kind due to its finely prepared food that is always served fresh .
“ We usually spread it out . i ’ ll See PRODuCE , Page 10