MILLBROOK — Organizers of the Millbrook Farmers and Makers Market have set their sights on increased engagement, market accessibility and sustainability as it enters its 36th year.
Every Saturday morning until Oct. 1, up to 30 vendors fill the parking lot of 3263 Franklin Ave. selling food, fresh-grown produce and hand-made crafts. New initiatives this year include a composting program and food assistance programs, and organizers are continuing to host children’s activities.
This summer, the market committee has begun a composting partnership with McEnroe Organic Farm Soils & Compost, with a bin placed at the entrance of the market.
Pre-season market manager and vendor Rebecca Klima said the committee is developing a waste collection system to start a composting program as part of a long-term project of starting a municipal composting program in Millbrook.
“We’re really excited about getting the message out there and getting enough compost to make a sizable donation,” Klima said. “We’re trying to inform more people about what the compost takes and why it’s important for our environment.”
The market introduced food assistance programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, FreshConnect and Veterans Benefits in 2025, and will continue to expand throughout 2026.
On-site market manager Anna Benlien said the market also provides activities for kids every week led by the market committee, the Millbrook Library, or groups such as local nonprofit Angels of Light.
“We want to just make sure that kids are also being involved in making it a fun space for them,” Benlien said.
Through a four tiered sponsorship program, the committee is able to support the weekly market and its vendors.
Benlien feels that the Millbrook Farmers and Makers Market is an important part of the community, and one that she’s passionate about.
“It’s really a hallmark to Millbrook,” Benlien said. “It’s just been so much fun.’
