The Yardley Farmers’ Market was the brainchild of Susan Schneck and Tammy Marshall, two Yardley Borough residents and friends who wanted to establish a farmers market in town. “At the time, we were both working full time, and didn’t have the time to travel to the other farmers markets in the county,” explained Susan. “Our initial goal was to bring locally sourced food to this area.”
As a result, Susan and Tammy co-founded the Yardley Farmers' Market in 2015. Now operating year-round, the market continues to thrive.
Susan, a Penn State Master Gardener at the time, and Tammy, an avid gardener, shared a passion for fresh, local produce and saw the market as an opportunity to connect neighbors with regional farmers. “We were never looking to create the largest farmers market; we just wanted to form a farmers market that brought our residents together in our hometown,” Susan explains.
The market started small, with vendors participating for free in its first year, but it quickly grew into a recognized part of the Yardley community. “The first year, we just went around talking to farmers and vendors and didn’t even charge them anything for setting up at our market,” Susan recalls. Some of those vendors are still part of the market today.
Today, the market operates as a Pennsylvania non-profit LLC and continues to receive strong support from the borough. “Yardley Borough has always been very supportive of the market. They’ve allowed us to use the park, which is very generous,” says Susan. The summer market runs outdoors in Buttonwood Park, while the indoor winter market, which is currently being held at the Lower Makefield Township Community Center, ensures that residents have access to fresh, local goods throughout the year.
The Yardley Farmers’ Market has steadily expanded, now featuring 18 to 20 vendors offering a diverse selection of goods. While food remains the market's primary focus, a limited number of functional crafts, such as pottery, and specialty vendors also participate. Some long-standing vendors have been with the market since its inception, while new pop-up vendors frequently join to introduce fresh offerings to the community.
“One of the many reasons people come to the farmers market is the quality of the food,” explains Susan. “When you buy lettuce at the grocery store, you’re lucky if it lasts a week. When you buy lettuce at the farmers market, it will last in your fridge for up to two weeks because it’s fresh-picked.”
Many Yardley residents prefer shopping at the farmers market because of the unparalleled freshness of the food. Unlike grocery store produce, which may have been transported and stored for days before reaching shelves, farmers market produce is often picked just a day before sale, ensuring superior taste and longevity.
Another key draw is the ability to interact directly with farmers and vendors. “People can talk to the farmers to find out what’s in their food,” Susan emphasizes. Shoppers can learn about where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and what goes into the products they buy. This transparency builds trust and strengthens the connection between consumers and local food producers.
The market also plays a vital role in promoting local economic growth. By shopping here, customers help sustain small farms and businesses within a 75-mile radius, keeping money circulating within the local economy.
The Yardley Farmers’ Market is committed to making fresh, healthy food accessible to all. The market accepts SNAP/EBT, and thanks to a partnership with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Yardley, SNAP customers receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $30 per market visit. This initiative helps more families afford nutritious, locally grown food and demonstrates the market’s mission of inclusivity and community support.
As the market continues to grow, its team, including Susan Schneck, Market Manager; along with Assistant Manager Joni Garcia; and dedicated volunteers Carol Such and Laura Thumforde, remain committed to ensuring its success. Whether in the busy summer months at Buttonwood Park or the cozy winter setting at the community center, the Yardley Farmers’ Market remains a cherished local institution where fresh food, sustainability, and community come together.
For those looking to experience the best of what the region’s farmers and small businesses have to offer, the Yardley Farmers’ Market is the place to be; rain or shine, summer or winter.
The Yardley Farmers’ Market Indoor Winter Market will continue to run through April during the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 am till noon. Beginning in May, its Summer Outdoor Market will be open every Saturday from 9 am till noon through the Saturday before Thanksgiving. For more information visit www.yardleyfarmersmarket.com.
