Seacoast Eat Local

31/08/2026

Vouchers for Veterans is back for the month of September! Starting September 3 in Exeter and September 5 in Portsmouth, they’ll be at our farmers’ markets throughout the month.

Veterans and active duty members living in Maine or New Hampshire with proof of military service can receive $20 in market vouchers each week to spend at our Exeter and Portsmouth Farmers’ Markets.

We are grateful for VFV creating this opportunity to support local farmers and food producers while helping make fresh, local food more accessible to our community.

28/08/2026

As we near the end of August, it's time to say farewell to our market assistant, Savanna. Over the past two summers, Savanna has been a reliable and enthusiastic member of our market team, helping with everything from setting up for market days and assisting customers at the info booth to leading kids' activities. Her willingness to jump in wherever help was needed made her a valuable part of our market team.

As a Food Systems student at the University of Vermont, Savanna has spent the past two summers gaining hands-on experience in our local food system, working alongside farmers and food producers and connecting with the community at our markets.

A message from Savanna: “The past two summers have undoubtedly fueled my passion for food systems change and resilience, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you to the Seacoast Eat Local team, vendors, musicians, guests, and customers for contributing to my growth, and gifting me a second home.”

Thank you, Savanna, for all your hard work and support over the past two summers. We wish you the best as you continue your education at UVM!🫶

26/08/2026

We had an amazing time learning from Sean O’Brien with UNH Extension last Thursday! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Preserve the Harvest: An Introduction to Canning.
A big thank you to Sean for making his way over to Tuckaway Food Commons to share important canning safety tips and knowledge, along with a live demonstration that gave participants the opportunity to see the water bath canning process in action.
Our next educational workshop is coming up! On September 5, we’ll be at Narrow Gate Homestead for an immersive look at the realities of raising and processing pasture-raised poultry.
We hope to see you there!

25/08/2026

As we count down to our 20th Anniversary Celebration, Growing Together, we are taking a look back at the milestones that helped shape Seacoast Eat Local into the organization it is today.
In 2016, we began offering Granite State Market Match to SNAP participants, giving shoppers an opportunity to stretch their SNAP dollars and receive additional vouchers to use on fruits and vegetables at the market. We have continued to offer GSMM for the past 10 years at our markets and partner sites, resulting in $300,000+ dollars spent!
That same year, the SAMM (Seacoast Area Mobile Market) Van pilot program began in August. The goal of SAMM was to create a stronger connection between people across the Seacoast region and the bounty of food produced right here in their community.
Help us continue growing for the next 20 years by enrolling in our monthly donor program or purchasing a ticket to our 20th Anniversary Celebration, Growing Together.

22/08/2026

Growing Together, Seacoast Eat Local's 20th Anniversary Fundraising Celebration, takes place on September 22 at Saltonstall Farm. Celebrate this milestone with an unforgettable evening of incredible local food, meaningful connections, and a look back at two decades of strengthening our local food system while looking ahead to what's next. Throughout the evening, you'll find raffles, auctions, and other exciting ways to invest in the future of Seacoast Eat Local.

Tickets are on sale now, don't wait to reserve your spot. Tell a friend, family member, or neighbor and celebrate this special evening together!

Looking to make an even bigger impact? Sponsorship opportunities close on September 1st, making this your last chance to support the celebration as a sponsor and invest in the future of Seacoast Eat Local.

Reserve Your Spot Today➡️ seacoasteatlocal.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20thAnniversaryCelebration

18/08/2026

Interested in how pasture-raised practices differ from conventional systems, and why those differences matter for animal welfare, flavor, and community health? This workshop is for you!

We will be hosting a workshop at Narrow Gate Homestead on Saturday, September 5th with Nick and Rachel LaMere for an immersive look at the realities of raising and processing pasture-raised poultry. 🐓

Nick and Rachel will share candid insights from their journey as a young, family-run farm, including the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and the values that guide their work. Participants will also observe a chicken processing demonstration and learn the essential skills for those interested in raising and processing their own birds.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Registration is free, with a suggested donation of $15.

Ticket link ➡️ secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/gshZ7nqcmMNcjd0QReQ7dw?t=1784552910

Nick and Rachel will share candid insights from their journey as a young, family-run farm, including the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and the values that guide their work. Participants will also observe a chicken processing demonstration and learn the essential skills f...

17/08/2026

Magic is coming to the Exeter Farmers' Market! 🪄
On Thursday, August 20, stop by Swasey Parkway for a special visit from Aidan Does Magic, who will be performing strolling magic throughout the market from 3-5pm. 🎩
While you're there, shop 20+ local vendors and enjoy live music from 2:30-6pm. You'll find tables overflowing with peak-season produce, fresh baked goods, locally caught seafood, local meats and eggs, handcrafted products, and so much more.
We can't wait to see you there! ✨

🎶 Roses and Thorns
🪄 Aidan Does Magic
💌SNAP/EBT is accepted at the market and receives two matches: a 1:1 match through Granite State Market Match and a 1:1 match through Community Bonus Bucks, both up to $50!
💚We are partnering with St. Vincent de Paul for a weekly item drive at each Exeter market. Each month we'll focus on collecting one specific item to donate - this month being bags of ground coffee. As you enter the market, you can drop off any donations at the SEL Info Booth (the big blue tent).

For more details visit: https://seacoasteatlocal.org/exeter/
Checkout our interactive vendor map: seacoasteatlocal.org/market-map
*Vendors subject to change

11/08/2026

It’s no surprise that Theresa Walker of Great Bay Wool Works has over 10k followers on Instagram, her sheep are adorable! But sheep aren't just cute animals. They're an important part of our agricultural system.
Read our recent blog recapping our workshop on Raising a Sheep Flock for Wool Fiber Production ➡️ seacoasteatlocal.org/raising-a-sheep-flock-for-wool-fiber-production/

11/08/2026

Laura founded Fox Point Oysters in 2012 and what began as a new adventure in unfamiliar waters has grown into a thriving oyster farm in Little Bay.
Read our recent blog recapping our Live Free & Shuck workshop with Laura Brown ➡️ seacoasteatlocal.org/live-free-shuck-returns-to-little-bay/

10/08/2026

As we count down to our 20th Anniversary Celebration, Growing Together, we are taking a look back at the milestones that helped shape Seacoast Eat Local into the organization it is today.

In 2011, we reached an important milestone by introducing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at our Winter Farmers' Markets, helping make fresh, local food more accessible to low-income families. That commitment to food access has continued to grow. Today, SNAP shoppers at our markets can also take advantage of Granite State Market Match and Community Bonus Bucks, stretching their dollars while supporting local farmers.

2011 was also a year of incredible growth for our markets. For the first time, our Rollinsford Market had 2,500 customers on one day! A sign of the community's growing enthusiasm for local food. As attendance continued to climb, we launched our shuttle service to Wentworth Greenhouses, a tradition that continues today to help manage parking and make it easier for everyone to enjoy the market.

Help us continue growing for the next 20 years by enrolling in our monthly donor program or purchasing a ticket to our 20th Anniversary Celebration, Growing Together.