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Q&A with Pembroke Farmers Market President, Meghan Watts

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Personal Introduction.


My name is Meghan Watts, and I am the president and co-founder of the Pembroke Farmers Market. I have lived in Pembroke for almost 8 years, and the second I saw my house I fell in love with the land (I like the house too, though!) We live on a pond, and between that and the surrounding abundance of trees I had never lived in a place with so much wildlife. I immediately became a nature enthusiast: I started gardening, bird-watching, and taking regular hikes to explore new areas both in Pembroke and the surrounding towns. My kids, 8 and 5, have grown to love nature as much as I do, and I’m so glad we live in a place where they can see all the living creatures that some kids only get to read about in books. 


Professionally, I am a health coach with my own business, Back to Basics Health Coaching. My job is to help people meet whatever health goals it is they’re trying to achieve. I love seeing the transformations people go through as they explore new foods and different ways to increase their well-being. 


I am also an Outdoor Educator at Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset where I teach children about nature, gardening, and healthy eating. I love to cook and garden, so it probably doesn’t surprise anyone that I really, REALLY wanted a farmers market in Pembroke!  


Why did you choose to help spearhead the Pembroke Farmers Market?


After asking around about why we didn’t have a farmers market in Pembroke when we have such a perfect town center for it and a population of residents who, based on my drives around town, seem to love gardening and farming, I found out that we did have one at one point. Another co-founder and I were able to connect with Matt York, who you used to run the farmers market. He explained that he was no longer able to give the market the attention it needed due to scheduling conflicts. He was incredibly helpful and supportive of the idea of re-starting the market. We decided to go for it! I think when you really want something to happen, you’re willing to take risks and invest time in order to make it a reality. 


I love farmers markets for many reasons, but one of them is that I believe whole-heartedly in the importance of supporting small farms and businesses. Every time we support small businesses we are helping our local economy. And when we support small farms we are able to speak directly to the people who feed us. As a health coach, I think it’s absolutely critical to have access to fresh, high quality food, and being able to ask your farmer how their crops are grown is something you can’t do at a grocery store! 


Can you explain your role as president of the soon to be launched Pembroke Farmers Market?


I’ll take this one step back by explaining the role of the Board of Directors first. The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Pembroke Farmers Market, and we are responsible for making decisions about the operation of the market, such as when and where it will operate, determining vendor fees, and directing marketing initiatives. 


My role as president is to oversee the governing of the market, which includes making sure all aspects of a successful market are being addressed. I am also responsible for making sure we are adhering to our own by-laws in addition to other applicable overarching laws. 


What are you most excited about in relation to the Farmers Market coming to Pembroke?


Shopping, obviously! I can’t wait to buy all sorts of goodies from local vendors, so I guess I’m excited to see what our final vendor lineup will be for our first season! I’m also excited to have my kids there on opening day: they’ve been excited about this, too, and I think any time we can turn an idea into a reality it sends a message to our kids that they can do the same. 


Can you please share the mission and vision for the Pembroke Farmers Market?


Our mission is to bring our community together over high-quality, local food. We want the market to be a place where people of all ages can come and enjoy themselves, shop, eat, and just catch up with friends! 


We also want to be a market that focuses on balancing the needs of consumers with the needs of vendors. Our goal is to be as consistent as possible with providing our vendors an opportunity to sell directly to the community because we recognize and value the time and hard work that went into producing their goods. 


Favorite recipe?


This one is tough for me because there are so many products and so many good recipes to choose from! If I were to narrow it down, I’d say the thing I was introduced to at a past farmers market that I instantly fell in love with is the Delicata Squash. It was one of those “why have I not known about this until now” moments. They are naturally sweet and easy to prepare: the seeds scoop out easily and you can eat the skin, so no need to peel! 


Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

  • Cut the squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. 

  • Cut each half into slices about half an inch thick and put in a medium bowl. 

  • Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss to coat well. 

  • Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes each side, or until the squash is nicely browned. 


I like to put the squash on top of a salad with some nuts, roasted salted chickpeas, and chopped apple, but it also makes a nice, simple side dish as is!


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4件のコメント


sharonstearns
2024年2月03日

It will be great having a farmers market in Pembroke again! Where will it be?

いいね!

pamlaiosa
2024年2月03日

Great job starting Pembroke’ Farmers Market Meghan! Can’t wait to attend!

いいね!

jlcletourneau
2024年2月03日

Great Blog Meghan!!! Can’t wait to participate:)


いいね!

Katlyn Lasnier-Duncan
Katlyn Lasnier-Duncan
2024年2月03日

I am so excited to have a farmers market in town!

いいね!
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