Turnpike Farmers Markets Open to Offer Travelers a Taste of Pennsylvania

PA Preferred™ Produce, Goods Available through Nov. 30

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Turnpike travelers can purchase locally grown food directly from producers at three service plaza farmers markets operating Fridays through Mondays during the growing season.

The markets, located at the Allentown Service Plaza in Lehigh County, Sideling Hill Service Plaza in Fulton County and New Stanton Service Plaza in Westmoreland County, will operate through Nov. 30.

The markets open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Mondays and holiday weekends, and at 11 a.m. on Fridays and Sundays. They close at dusk.

"Pennsylvania's farmers markets are a great way to purchase fresh produce directly from the growers," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "These service plaza markets offer drivers a chance to grab a healthy snack, pick up products for meals at home and experience a taste of Pennsylvania agriculture without leaving the toll-road."

Greig reminded shoppers to look for PA Preferred™ products, with signage featuring a gold checkmark inside a blue keystone that lets consumers know they are buying items produced by Pennsylvania farmers and businesses. To see a list of the more than 2,000 PA Preferred members statewide, visit www.papreferred.com.

Farmers or producers wishing to sell products at the service plaza farmers markets should contact Frank Jurbala at [email protected] or call 717-787-6041.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 1,200 farmers markets. For a list searchable by county, product or market name, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Online Services," then "Farmers Markets and Farm Stands."

Media contact: William Nichols, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture