Marybeth Stocking, shown here at Two Toad Farm in Lebanon, is the new manager at Sanford Farmer’ Market, which opens May 4 at Central Park. COURTESY PHOTO
SANFORD — About three weeks from now, Marybeth Stocking will be starting seeds for the 200 varieties of vegetables she and Jordan Pike raise at their farm, called Two Toad Farm, in Lebanon.
Stocking said she likes raising food, and she likes the sense of community that can come with it.
She’ll be handling all those aspects and more this year as the new manager of the Sanford Farmers’ Market.
Stocking succeeds Jack McAdam, who managed the market that sets up in Central Park each Saturday morning from May to October for about 10 years.
McAdam said he decided to retire from his decade-long volunteer gig.
“Marybeth stepped in. She loves the Sanford market,” said McAdam.
That she does.
SIS Bank President Blaine Boudreau, Sanford Farmers’ Market Manager Marybeth Stocking and Vouchers for Veterans program manager Jeanne Grover display a check noting the banks’ $1,000 donation to the program, which will provide vouchers for veterans to shop at the Sanford market. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune
“We were one of the first (vendors) at the Sanford Farmers’ Market,” said Stocking in an interview on Thursday. “There were four of us who had a dream of building a farmers’ market in town.”
Thea Murphy was the market’s first manager, when it was located at Gowen Park. Then came the move to Central Park.
“It has grown into something we’re really proud of,” said Stocking.
One new program at Sanford Farmers’ Market this year will benefit veterans. Vouchers for Veterans will operate the month of September. Veterans who stop by will receive $20 in vouchers for use at the market. Veterans need only to show a DD-214, an active duty card, medical picture ID from Veterans Affairs, a current Maine driver’s license with the “Veteran” designation or a U.S. Military retirement card, as well as proof of York County residency.
It will be the sole York County location for the Vouchers for Veterans program, said Stocking.
Jeanne Grover, the coordinator, said the Vouchers for Veterans program had been operating as a three-year pilot at the Rochester, New Hampshire Farmers’ Market. She said the program was accessed over 1,800 times by Strafford County veterans.
“The program brought an additional $36,000 into the farmers’ income stream, veterans were grateful, farmers were grateful, and the money stayed in the community,” said Grover.
On Thursday, the Vouchers for Veterans program got a boost, when Sanford Institution for Savings made a $1,000 contribution.
The Sanford Farmers’ Market opens May 4 this year. Stocking estimated there will be 13 or more vendors selling their wares from 8 a.m. to noon.
Stocking, 46, came to Two Toad Farm 10 years ago. Besides lots of vegetables, she and Pike raise pork and chicken at the farm.
“I was always a big gardener,” said Stocking. Before landing at the farm she had been a Spanish teacher, but other previous jobs included working in an orchard, growing cut flowers and similar gigs. “I always came back to farming,” she said.
Back to farming, and to food, she said, and the Sanford Farmers’ Market is right up her alley.
“I want to help build a healthier economy. I want to strengthen the economy by creating local jobs, supporting local businesses, keeping the money local and reviving Main Street,” she said.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
