Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center hosts farmer’s market beginning June 5
New market will support healthy living and entrepreneurship in local communities
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) will host a new farmer’s market beginning on Thursday, June 5, and continuing every Thursday through September.
The market will run from 2-7 p.m. weekly at the main parking lot of the hospital in Woodbridge, Virginia.
It will be organized by Long Family Markets, a veteran- and family-owned business based in Stafford County with a 10-year history of cultivating community, sustainability, and local entrepreneurship through fresh, quality produce and artisanal goods.
Long Family Markets partners with the best local producers to bring a wide variety of products that are made, baked, or grown by the seller. Market locations offer meats, eggs, seafood, honey, cheese, baked goods, pickles, kettle corn, salsa, candles, soaps, home decor, hand crafted artisan goods, and more.
“I’m proud to welcome the Long Family Market to our campus – I know many people on the hospital team are looking forward to the thriving marketplace that will be available right in our own parking lot on a weekly basis.”
From Stafford to Spotsylvania, and now Woodbridge, Long Family Markets offers an engaging community that supports sustainable practices, promotes a vibrant local food culture, and serves as a catalyst for growth and support of small farms, micro-business owners, and artisans.
“At Long Family Markets, growth has always meant more than just adding tents or vendors. It means deepening our connection with the community, strengthening local agriculture, and creating meaningful spaces where people, businesses, and ideas can thrive,” said Owner Robin Long. “Shop with us and taste the difference passion makes.”
Shoppers should swipe their EBT/SNAP cards at the market information tent and they will receive market tokens to shop with at the market. These tokens can be used to purchase any EBT/SNAP eligible foods within the marketplace.
Improving access to fresh produce
“Availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s markets can help improve our diets and benefit public health in this area,” explained Robyn Johanson, registered nurse and program coordinator for the Diabetes and Nutrition Management Program at SNVMC.
“Produce is recently harvested, meaning it’s fresher, more nutritious, and lasts longer than items that have been transported long distances, which is common in chain grocery stores.”
It’s raining outside. Is the market open?
Yes. The market operates rain or shine. However, in rare cases, the market may close due to unsafe weather conditions (for example, high winds or ice). Check the Long Family Markets website or their social media pages for updates on delays or closures.
What payment types are accepted?
Cash, credit/debit cards, and EBT/SNAP. Visit the information tent for more details and to obtain tokens.
What are tokens and do I need them?
All vendors accept cash, while some accept debit/credit cards. All vendors also accept tokens, which can be purchased with cash or card at the information tent.
Is the market handicap accessible?
Yes, all of the market locations are accessible and have designated handicap parking areas.
Learn more at the Long Family Markets website.
The market will run from 2-7 p.m. weekly at the main parking lot of the hospital in Woodbridge, Virginia.
It will be organized by Long Family Markets, a veteran- and family-owned business based in Stafford County with a 10-year history of cultivating community, sustainability, and local entrepreneurship through fresh, quality produce and artisanal goods.
Long Family Markets partners with the best local producers to bring a wide variety of products that are made, baked, or grown by the seller. Market locations offer meats, eggs, seafood, honey, cheese, baked goods, pickles, kettle corn, salsa, candles, soaps, home decor, hand crafted artisan goods, and more.
Helping the community
“This farmer’s market will benefit the community in so many ways. It offers fresh, nutritious foods as well as goods from local growers and businesses, and supports our regional economy by serving as a gathering place where people can develop healthy habits,” said SNVMC President Jeff Joyner.“I’m proud to welcome the Long Family Market to our campus – I know many people on the hospital team are looking forward to the thriving marketplace that will be available right in our own parking lot on a weekly basis.”
From Stafford to Spotsylvania, and now Woodbridge, Long Family Markets offers an engaging community that supports sustainable practices, promotes a vibrant local food culture, and serves as a catalyst for growth and support of small farms, micro-business owners, and artisans.
“At Long Family Markets, growth has always meant more than just adding tents or vendors. It means deepening our connection with the community, strengthening local agriculture, and creating meaningful spaces where people, businesses, and ideas can thrive,” said Owner Robin Long. “Shop with us and taste the difference passion makes.”
Doubling SNAP benefits
Shoppers receive double their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when purchasing produce at the Long Family Market.Shoppers should swipe their EBT/SNAP cards at the market information tent and they will receive market tokens to shop with at the market. These tokens can be used to purchase any EBT/SNAP eligible foods within the marketplace.
Improving access to fresh produce
“Availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s markets can help improve our diets and benefit public health in this area,” explained Robyn Johanson, registered nurse and program coordinator for the Diabetes and Nutrition Management Program at SNVMC.
“Produce is recently harvested, meaning it’s fresher, more nutritious, and lasts longer than items that have been transported long distances, which is common in chain grocery stores.”
Improving health every day
“Sentara’s mission is to improve health every day, and by establishing this farmer’s market on Thursday afternoons, we are achieving our mission in a helpful way for so many of our neighbors,” said Joyner.
SNVMC is located at 2300 Optiz Boulevard, Woodbridge, Virginia, 2219. The farmer’s market will be in the general parking lot, adjacent to Optiz. Blvd.
The farmer’s market will be in row J of the main lot, with shopper parking in row H.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s raining outside. Is the market open?
Yes. The market operates rain or shine. However, in rare cases, the market may close due to unsafe weather conditions (for example, high winds or ice). Check the Long Family Markets website or their social media pages for updates on delays or closures.
What payment types are accepted?
Cash, credit/debit cards, and EBT/SNAP. Visit the information tent for more details and to obtain tokens.
What are tokens and do I need them?
All vendors accept cash, while some accept debit/credit cards. All vendors also accept tokens, which can be purchased with cash or card at the information tent.
Is the market handicap accessible?
Yes, all of the market locations are accessible and have designated handicap parking areas.
Learn more at the Long Family Markets website.
By: Jon Radulovic