Hospitals Sponsor Farmers Markets

Holy Family Hospital is kicking off a Farmers Market in Methuen at the hospital’s Gazebo Courtyard.

Market hours are 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. every Friday through the end of October, rain or shine. The market is brought to the community by Holy Family Hospital in collaboration with the City of Methuen Mayor Stephen Zanni’s Office, the City of Methuen Office of Community Development and Groundwork Lawrence, the coordinating agency.

Holy Family’s sister hospital, Merrimack Valley Hospital, earlier announced it will be hosting a weekly farmers market from noon until 4 p.m., Tuesdays, beginning July 8 at the hospital campus. Merrimack Valley Hospital is also a sponsor of the Haverhill Farmers Market held on Saturdays next to police headquarters on Bailey Boulevard.

The hospital’s Parent company, Steward Health Care, has partnered with the Massachusetts Farmers Market Association to create the Merrimack Valley Hospital Farmers Market Voucher Program to help manage diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Those qualifying based on recommendations from participating Steward Health Care physicians will receive vouchers at one dollar per day, per household member. They can be redeemed at any farmers market in Massachusetts through October. EBT cards are also accepted at the hospital’s farmers market.