Northeast Philly Food Feed: Oxford Circle Farmers Market opens

John Esch wiped his brow and took a hard swig of his water bottle. He has just traveled more than three hours, from the outskirts of Gettysburg, arriving at 900 E. Howell St. – the site of the Oxford Circle Farmers Market.

Esch, along with two other vendors, braved the near 100-degree heat last Thursday to bring farm fresh fruits and vegetables and baked goods to the people of the great Northeast. Last Thursday was the opening day of the Oxford Circle Farmers’Market as well as the opening day of two other farmers’ markets across the city; one at Norris Square (West Susquehanna Street) and Palmer Park (Frankford Ave. at East Palmer Street).

This totals six markets operating on Thursdays this summer sponsored by The Food Trust, a local non-profit dedicated to the proliferation of healthy, nutritious food, throughout the Philadelphia area.

Turnout was lighter than expected at the Northeast market, which was unfortunate. This market is the farthest northeast that any “local grower” farmers’ market goes and it needs the support in order to thrive.

If you enjoy farm fresh food and keeping your food dollar as local as possible, a trip to the Oxford Circle Farmers Market is essential.

The Oxford Circle Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. through the early fall. Ben Bergman writes the Philly Food Feed . He lives in Parkwood and grew up in Castor Gardens.