Enterprising young crafters and farmers can practice their vending skills at the farmers’ market in Jaffrey, as part of the TEAM Jaffrey’s Lil’ Sprouts program.
The market seeks to be community-centric and accessible, including having an indoor rain location and accepting SNAP funds for fruits and vegetables. As part of that mission, it is also opening the door for young sellers to learn the ropes and get involved in their community market.
TEAM Jaffrey Director Tarah Castiglioni said Lil’ Sprouts was originally a gardening club, but has since evolved, and since 2023, has allowed children to host their own booths at the Farmers’ Market, and learn the hard and soft skills needed to budget, market their goods, set up (and sometimes quickly break down, during sudden downpours) their booth, and communicate with organizers and customers.
Castiglioni said past young vendors have sold everything from garden produce to crocheted items, home-made dog treats, lotions and baked goods.
“They’re so excited,” Castiglioni said about children getting to make their first sale. “They’re very creative; they have a whole range of things they sell — it’s a hodgepodge.”
Lil’ Sprouts are included with the regular farmers’ market, but have their own designated area and must have an adult with them. Castiglioni said before they join the market, TEAM Jaffrey holds an informational session to let the children and their guardians know about their responsibilities in the program, tips such as how to market themselves and what to do if they’re uncomfortable talking to a customer.
Historically, Lil’ Sprouts participants have ranged in age from as young as 10 to about 15, though there is not an age requirement.
“Some of them are nervous at first,” said Castiglioni, “But we have a very welcoming, supportive community. They build up their confidence, learn how to talk to customers and market and sell their products. It’s a great experience for them.”
The experience helps to build confidence, and gives the children pride in the things they make, said Castiglioni. And, for some of them, that confidence they build allows them to go on and sell as a vendor at other, larger TEAM Jaffrey events, such as Riverfest or Scarecrows on the Common.
On Friday, July 11, there will be an informational meeting for those interested in learning about Lil’ Sprouts from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on the Jaffrey Public Library lawn. Those interested can participate in the next four markets at a cost of $5 per booth. The Lil’ Sprouts will participate in markets from July 21 to Aug. 11, but individual vendors are not required to participate in all four. For information about the Lil’ Sprouts program, contact Castiglioni at teamjaffreynh@gmail.com.
Jaffrey’s farmers’ market is held every Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. through Sept. 26. It is held on the Jaffrey Public Library lawn, with a rain venue of the American Legion Post 11 in Jaffrey at 28 Webster St.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or assaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.