Featured Member: Littleton Farmers Market
Featured member Littleton Farmers Market has grown into a vibrant centerpiece of the Littleton community, offering more than just fresh produce and local goods. It is a gathering space where neighbors connect, small businesses flourish, and traditions take root. Open from May through October, this weekly Sunday market has become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, drawing crowds to the banks of the Ammonoosuc River with its diverse offerings and welcoming atmosphere.
A Market with Deep Community Roots
The Littleton Farmers Market began with humble beginnings, starting with a handful of vendors on a gravel lot. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged community hub, thanks to the dedication of market organizers and volunteers. Tim Howard, a longtime steering committee leader and advocate for the market, recalls its early days and the efforts made to improve both vendor and visitor experiences. Clearing brush, improving access, and expanding into the park created a more inviting space. This commitment to continuous growth and improvement has been a driving force behind the market’s success.
The steering committee’s leadership and vision have helped the market double in size by making strategic changes such as opening up the layout and improving parking access. While space constraints and infrastructure changes remain ongoing challenges, plans are in place to expand. This will allow even more vendors and visitors to take part in the weekly event.
Support for Local Agriculture and Businesses
The Littleton Farmers Market showcases the best of regional agriculture, food, and craft. Each Sunday, visitors can expect to find fresh vegetables, local meats, handmade items, live music, and a rotating lineup of hot food vendors. New vendors are added each season, bringing fresh energy and offerings. The 2025 season marks a record number of vendors, with exciting additions like Korean food, vegetarian tacos from Taco North, and freshly brewed coffee. The inclusion of longtime favorite booths and new faces creates a dynamic balance that keeps the market lively and interesting.
The market also supports initiatives that improve access to fresh food. Through its participation in the SNAP/EBT program, the market helps make healthy, local food available to more residents. Shoppers using SNAP benefits can visit the market manager’s booth to exchange EBT dollars for market tokens, and they can also receive Granite State Market Match incentives to double their purchasing power on fruits and vegetables.
A Platform for Nonprofits and Community Engagement
Beyond commerce, the market serves as a platform for nonprofits and community organizations. With designated booth spaces for outreach and information sharing, the market allows local causes to connect directly with the public. Events like Veterans Appreciation Days in September further emphasize the market’s commitment to inclusion and public service. Music, community programs, and a strong volunteer network all contribute to a warm, lively environment that reflects the values of the greater Littleton area.
The market’s success is managed by a small but dedicated steering committee, and Howard acknowledges that its continued growth may soon require more help. Opportunities for student internships or community volunteers could provide a meaningful way to build leadership experience while supporting a beloved local institution.
Looking Ahead to Continued Growth
Infrastructure changes, including the demolition of a barn and reconfiguration of parking, are expected to create both short-term challenges and long-term opportunities. According to Howard, current plans suggest the market will eventually move back to the former gravel lot, which will be converted into green space. The area where the market currently resides is slated to become a new paved parking area, offering parking for up to 50 vehicles. With this transition, the market anticipates being able to host more vendors and accommodate more visitors.
An Anchor in the Heart of Littleton
The Littleton Farmers Market is more than a Sunday tradition. It is an anchor of community life, an incubator for small businesses, and a reflection of the strength of local collaboration. By offering a welcoming space for residents and visitors to shop, eat, and connect, the market enriches the cultural and economic life of the region. As it prepares for the next phase of its growth, it continues to embody the values that make Littleton a great place to live, work, and visit.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, there is always something new to discover at the Littleton Farmers Market. Stay up to date about weekly activities or changes on their social media account.
