Annually the MJWC provides more than $10,000 in grants to local organizations and charities. Each year the club chooses one organization that they believe merits special attention.  This year, the Milton Farmers Market is well deserving of this recognition.

The Milton Farmers Market, located on Wharf Street in Lower Mills/Milton Village, is a nonprofit, public market overseen by volunteers. Its mission is to connect Massachusetts farmers, communities, and shoppers while promoting and providing a market for the sale of products grown and raised by participating farmers.

Now in its 20th year, The Milton Farmers Market spans twenty dates starting June 18 through the end of October and remains a destination in which to gain access to exceptionally fresh food and meet with other local shoppers. With the Market celebrating its 20th year, Treasurer Gene Boylan decided to seek funding to provide something extra for children this season. Boylan, who began as a frequent patron of the market, has a fondness for shopping locally and has found the Market to be “a great place to get something fresh and have great conversations while you are there.”

In the past, the Market offered seasonal pumpkin painting to draw children and families to the market in the fall. However, Boylan knew that with grant funding he could build upon this great start and enhance the experience further for children. With the grant money, Boylan and his team will initiate four children’s programs that play upon the themes of art, dance, and theater and, of course, food. “This funding gives us a great start and the impetus to provide things for the young audience. We are grateful that we were judged to be worthy of this award and will invest it wisely,” Boylan said.

One of the Market associates, a parent with children, is leading the programming effort for the events funded by the MJWC grant.  The focus is on children under ten years old.  The first event will start in early July.

The MJWC was thrilled to support this new enhancement.  After a long winter, it is wonderful to draw families to the Market to experience these fun and informative events while enjoying the outdoors and the scenic Wharf area. We hope that these events will support the mission of the Farmer’s Market and encourage people to shop locally and healthfully. We encourage the community to learn more about these events as they emerge on the Milton Farmers Market website.

Milton Junior Woman’s Club grants are made possible as a result of proceeds raised from sponsors and runners of the annual Milton Road Race, which is organized and staffed by the volunteer members of the MJWC.  The race will be held on Tuesday, June 9th.

This year, in addition to the grant to the Milton Farmers Market, the Milton Junior Woman’s Club was able to provide grants to over a dozen other organizations serving Milton. These organizations include Friends of the Blue Hills, Unquity House, Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., Friends of the Milton Public Library, DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended), Milton Community Food Pantry, Inc., The Planting More Project, Milton Art Center; Friends of Churchills Lane, Milton Council on Aging, Milton Early Childhood Alliance, Milton Parks & Recreation Dept., Milton Performing Arts Charitable Group, STEM Garden Institute, and CARON Boston/ New England. Take a look around town, and you will see all the good work we are doing.

For more information on the road race or to become a member of the Milton Junior Woman’s Club go to their website. www.miltonjuniorwomansclub.com.