Seacoast Eat Local

22/10/2026

Over the past few months we have been looking back at our 20 year history by highlighting major milestones since our founding in 2006.

One month ago, on September 22 we hosted Growing Together, a celebration and fundraising event to bring people together from across those 20 years. We shared appreciation for all that has been accomplished so far and started to look ahead at what comes next.

Our impact has been made possible by the support and dedication of our community and the relationships we’ve all built along the way. Executive Director, Shawn Menard, wrote a recent blog post to share the feeling in the room during the Growing Together event. “When people have opportunities to get to know one another, those relationships can lead to things none of them necessarily expected.”

Read the full blog post here: seacoasteatlocal.org/growing-together-20-years-of-building-a-local-food-community/

20/10/2026

Mark your calendars for the LAST Exeter Farmers’ Market of the season AND our Halloween Bash! 🎃
Join us Thursday, October 29 from 2:30–5:30pm at Swasey Parkway to shop 20+ local vendors, show off your best costume in our costume contests, enjoy kids’ activities, trick-or-treating, face painting, and more!
Let’s finish the season with a BANG… or should we say BOO! 👻 We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

16/10/2026

We are taking a look back at the milestones that helped shape Seacoast Eat Local into the organization it is today.

In 2022, we took over the Summer Farmers' Markets!
The Seacoast Growers Association (SGA) had operated summer farmers' markets for 40 years. Due to many ongoing operational challenges and the desire of the members to spend less time managing the markets, SGA asked Seacoast Eat Local if we would be willing to take over the management of the Durham, Dover, Exeter, and Portsmouth markets. After many conversations we agreed on a transition plan and began operating these markets in 2022. Up until then, we had only been operating winter farmers' markets, so this transition had us operating markets all 12 months of the year for the first time.

Help us continue growing for the next 20 years by enrolling in our monthly donor program ➡️ seacoasteatlocal.org/donate/

16/10/2026

We are saddened to hear about the fire at Chicken Nick's Farm. Everyone is ok but it is a devastating property loss for the family. Stay updated on Sugarmomma's Maple Farm page to learn how you can help. ❤️

As some of you may have heard, Chicken nicks farm had a fire this morning. The house appears to be a total loss, but material things are replaceable. My family is safe, we shall get through this together. Thank you to all who have reached out ❤️

14/10/2026

Thank you to our essential market sponsors, Wellsense Health Plan and Fox Pest Control, for their support of our farmers' markets.
Our market sponsors provide financial support to make these markets possible and enable us to invest in the staffing, equipment, and other expenses necessary.
About our sponsors!
⭐️WSHP is a nonprofit health insurance company committed to offering support for the challenges and demands of everyday life to our communities. To learn more visit wellsense.org
⭐️Fox Pest Control offers services across 13 states. Their number one priority is to develop and strengthen lasting relationships with their employees, customers, and anyone else they work with. To learn more visit fox-pest.com/

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Visit https://seacoasteatlocal.org/become-a-sponsor/

13/10/2026

Our 2026 Local Turkey Guide is here! 🦃

Make supporting local farmers part of your holiday traditions this year. With a variety of local farms in the area offering fresh, locally raised turkeys, you can bring something special to your holiday table while supporting local farmers.

Be sure to order early! These birds are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly.

Farmers: Don't see your farm on the list? Leave us a comment or send us a DM, and we'll make sure to add you to seacoastharvest.org!

09/10/2026

The annual Portsmouth Pumpkin SMASH is Saturday, October 17th! Head to the Portsmouth Farmers' Market at 1 Junkins Ave from 8am-12pm to shop fall favorites and participate in the Pumpkin Smash.
This Portsmouth tradition has become the October catharsis of choice for young and old alike. SMASHing implements and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied!
- BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) $5/SMASH
- Choose your own pumpkin $10/SMASH
All proceeds go to the Portsmouth Halloween Parade.

REMEMBER... New Hampshire’s biggest Halloween parade is brought to you by the people, for the people. The parade is NOT a city-sponsored event. It is staged by volunteers and funded solely by the community, primarily through grassroots events like this one. Thank you for your support.

Rain Date: Sat Oct 24

08/10/2026

Mark your calendars, our 2026/2027 Seacoast Eat Local Winter Farmers’ Market schedule is here!
Opening Days:
❄️Stratham Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturday, November 14 | 10am–12pm
Cooperative Middle School
Then, one week later…
❄️Rollinsford Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturday, November 21 | 10am–2pm
Wentworth Greenhouses
Shop from local farmers, food producers, bakers, prepared food vendors, and more while connecting with your community throughout the winter season.
Save the dates, tell a friend, and get ready for another season of winter markets!