Meredith Brower, Director & Market Manager of TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

Since launching in 2020, the TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET (TFM) has become a community staple, bringing together a wide variety of independent food businesses, makers, and artists at two separate summer and winter locations. At the heart of it is Meredith Brower, a practicing eco-artist who nimbly orchestrates the growing market, which not only celebrates five years this season but also adds a second mid-week market at a new location this summer.

“It is a fast-paced and ever-changing entity,” she says, describing the many roles managing a market requires, from vendor relations and market logistics to grant writing and social media. “As the world and our food system changes, we have to bob and weave to stay relevant and competitive, too.”

Along with weekly Sunday markets, Meredith curates specialty editions including the Strawberry Shortcake Social in June and the Garlic Roast in October, championing local farm harvests. Connecting with and uplifting vendors is her favorite part of the job. “Their commitment to their craft is what makes the market,” she says. “Without these small business owners and entrepreneurs, we wouldn’t have such a robust and thriving event.”

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The TFM is collaborating with Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton to introduce a second market, called the Sakonnet Green Market, which will be held Thursday afternoons from 3-6pm, June 19 through August 28. “We hope to bring our community closer together at the beautiful grounds of the vineyard,” says Meredith. “Patrons can safely shop the market and visit the tasting room to sample and buy their wines.”

No matter which market you choose (or both!), a visit offers a great way to find all the locally grown and made foods you could need, along with inviting authentic connections with fellow neighbors and makers, all in one place. As Meredith explains, “It gives people a chance to be social, learn about where their food comes from, and meet local producers. It really is the whole experience!”