Our Mission & Community Impact

Our Mission

The Salem NH Farmers Market provides the community with a wide variety of fresh, local, and specialty foods, goods, and products. Through active community involvement, we strive to educate people about the nutritional, economic, environmental and social benefits of eating seasonally and locally.

What We Do for Our Community

Supporting Local Businesses
We promote small farms and local entrepreneurs by giving them a consistent, affordable “storefront” each week. From growers and food producers to artisans, our market helps them reach new customers and build thriving businesses. Many vendors have gone on to open brick-and-mortar shops or see their products sold in regional stores.

Expanding Access to Fresh, Local Food
We bring healthy, locally-produced foods to the Greater Salem area—often items you can’t find in grocery stores. Our goal is nutritious food for all. Through our SNAP/EBT Match Program and that of Granite State Market Match, we significantly increase SNAP benefits, allowing families facing food insecurity to increase shopping dollars on fresh, local food. During the pandemic, when SNAP transactions were paused, we funded $50 vouchers for every EBT customer to ensure continued access to healthy food.

We also partner with Vouchers for Veterans, an organization that provides $20 vouchers to registered NH and ME veterans and active-duty personnel to spend at the SNFHM on approved items.

Building a Stronger Community
Thanks to generous donations, we’ve been able to give back to our community through programs, including the SNHFM SNAP match. We also give back by donating food and gift baskets to local nonprofits, such as Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, Salem Family Resources, churches, food banks and Salem High School’s Culinary Arts Program. Each year, we purchase produce from our vendors to fill Thanksgiving baskets for local families and provide gift certificates so they can shop directly at the market.

A Year-Round Resource
While many New Hampshire farmers markets close in winter, Salem NH Farmers Market operates year-round—serving 400 to 600 customers weekly and supporting over 120 farmers and small business owners since opening in 2010. During COVID-19, we remained open as an essential business, adapting quickly to outdoor and safety-compliant operations to ensure no interruption of income for our farmers.

A Proven Model of Resilience
Throughout the pandemic, our Board worked with other markets nationwide to share best practices and develop safe, sustainable ways to operate. Salem NH Farmers Market is now looked to as a model for maintaining community access to local food while supporting small producers in challenging times.

Together, We Grow

Every visit, donation, and shared meal helps strengthen our local food system. By supporting the Salem NH Farmers Market, you’re not just buying fresh food — you’re investing in your neighbors, your community and a healthier future for all.