If you’re already a Farmer’s Market devotee (like we are!), then you know that markets are a great place to get the freshest local produce, dairy, breads and other artisanal items (and the perfect spot to spend a few quiet hours on a summer Saturday). Supporting small local farms is imperative in this era of GMOs and Big Food; our farmer’s market purchases gives them the cash they need to provide a healthy, sustainable alternative to mass-produced foods.

Here are some more great reasons to make a stop at your local Farmer’s Market a regular part of your week.

Lucky for us, the Sea Cliff Farmer’s Market is about to open for the season. From June through October, each Saturday from 9-1, the market offers just-picked organic produce, all grown on Long Island, most from Nassau and Western Suffolk County. The farms represented are Restoration Farm (Old Bethpage), Beagan Gooth (Old Brookville), Youngs Farm (Old Brookville), Fox Hollow Farm (S. Huntington), Three Castles Gardens (Old Westbury), Pietro’s Farm (Old Westbury) and Orient Organics (Orient Point).

In addition to produce, the Sea Cliff market will have:

• Eggs and honey from Raleigh Poultry Farm in Kings Park
• Delicious breads, popovers and other sweet treats from Heritage Bakers in Glen Cove
• Jams, jellies, soups and other goodies from Gourmet Your Way

Plus, if you time it right, sometimes you can get amazing small-batch olive oil from Casale Sonnino, direct from Roma, Italy…che buono!

The  Sea Cliff Market is scheduled to open for the year on June 17. It’s located at St. Luke’s Church at the corner of Glen and Roslyn Aves. in Sea Cliff, and takes place rain or shine (when it rains, they are indoors at the Parish Hall).

For market updates, follow them on Facebook.