Marshfield Farmers' Market

For those of you who have been reading the bi-weekly column from the manager of the Marshfield Farmers' Market, it should come as no surprise that Lorrie Dahlen has recently moved on from her role to become a mother to a very lucky little boy. As Lorrie mentioned in her last column, she has chosen me to replace her to fill what I have been told are her “very big shoes.” Seeing as how this is the first of what I hope to be many columns written for the Mariner, I figured it would be a good time to introduce myself, and, as many of the vendors of the market have been eager to know: what led me to be in this position.

I have had a passion for food for quite some years now, not only in terms of cooking and of course, eating it, but like many millenials I care deeply about where my food comes from, how it is prepared, and what is in it. This curiosity naturally led to me being a strong proponent of buying and eating local, mostly from farmers' markets, which has shown to be more socially and environmentally sustainable than modern industrial farming. One thing about farmers' markets that never gets old for me is having a question about the food or product that you want to buy and being able to ask the producer, right on the spot. This often leads to a lengthy conversation in which you walk away not only with newfound knowledge, but a better understanding of how much time and effort went into creating a good product.

I grew up on the South Shore in Norwell, and the older I get the more I realize how fortunate I was to grow up in an area as beautiful and prosperous as this one. After moving away for a while, I returned to my hometown to find the perfect opportunity to support the local food system and help add to the vibrant South Shore community. Several people to whom I've talked to about my new job have told me quite frankly that they didn't know farmers' markets had managers, to which I can't help but chuckle. I suppose a successful farmers' market does appear to just pop-up on its own, which makes sense as to why many people wouldn't understand that a lot of work goes on behind the scenes.

Now that I have officially taken over for Lorrie, I'm eager to bring my own ideas to the market. I must say, I am very grateful that Lorrie has not handed me a mess that I have to work endlessly to put together. As one of our vendors told me on my first day, Lorrie keeps the market “like a well-oiled machine.” And I intend to keep it that way. Like all jobs, there's a steep learning curve. At time it feels like I just inherited another person's business- one that is responsible not only for its own success but for all of the wonderful vendors that are with us as well. That being said, I'm excited to rise to the occasion, and can already tell this is going to be a great market season. So come down and say hello!

The market is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Fridays at the Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St. Enter from Route 3A or south River Street across from the fire station. Parking and admission are free. The market offers a text reminder the day of the market each week. Sign up by texting the code mar248 to 781-676-3236. For more information, visit MarshfieldFarmersMarket.com. It includes a map of the market, all vendors, products and much more or call the manager, Stephen, at 781-248-8501.