Watertown Restaurant a Finalist in National Contest for “Serving Their Community”

Watertown’s Ritcey East has chosen as one of five finalists in a contest run by Toast for restaurants who make a difference in their communities. The winner will received $10,000, and voting is now open. The restaurant on Waverley Avenue, is “serving up a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and a fresh take on comfort food,” according to Toast. Ritcey East was nominated by a fan of the restaurant because it is “a small, queer-owned biz that kept all their staff during the pandemic and continues to partner with local charities.” Say hello to our Built for You $10k Contest Finalist, Ritcey East!

Stop & Shop Accepting Fresh Connect Debit Cards to Increase Access to Nutritious Food

The Fresh Connect prepaid debit cards are being accepted at Stop & Shop stores in Watertown. The following information was provided by Stop & Shop:

Stop & Shop and Boston-based nonprofit About Fresh announced today that they have partnered to expand access to fresh and healthy foods for people in need across New England. Through About Fresh’s “Fresh Connect” program, participants can use prepaid debit cards ‘prescribed’ by healthcare providers to purchase healthy food. With today’s announcement, Stop & Shop becomes the first major retailer to make this produce as a prescription program available. After a successful pilot at Stop & Shop’s Grove Hall store location, the program is now available at more than 100 store locations in Eastern Massachusetts and will expand to all 400+ Stop & Shop stores by early spring. 

The program is now available at the Stop & Shop locations at 700 Pleasant St.

Watertown Farmers Market Seeks Feedback from Shoppers in Customer Survey

The Watertown Farmers’ Market is seeking feedback about this season! Please take this brief, yet important survey about your experiences at the market this year.  We want to hear from ALL community members: from weekly shoppers to those who were not able to make it this year – your feedback is important! Thank you in advance for your participation, and please share the link: Customer Survey

For information about the market, visit: www.watertownmarket.com or contact Stephanie Venizelos, Community Wellness Program Manager at: svenizelos@watertown-ma.gov

Don’t Miss the Final Watertown Farmers Market of the Year

The season is almost over for the Watertown Famers Market, so don’t miss out on a chance to purchase fresh produce, meat, fish and other items on Wednesday. Market organizers sent out the following infomration:

Tomorrow is our LAST market of the season. It’s a bittersweet end to the season, knowing that we’ve had such a great summer together in Saltonstall Park. Tomorrow, look forward to music from A&W Ukulele Players from 4 pm to 6 pm on the green, opportunities to sign up for Fall CSAs, and a guest chocolate vendor, Sotto Chocolate! Please note that we will close at 6 p.m. tomorrow, due to the much earlier fall sunset. 

Don’t forget to give our Instagram and Facebook pages a follow and like to keep up with any additions or adaptions to the market day!

Watertown Community Fridge Now Open, Give or Take Food for Free 24/7

Watertown Community FridgeThe Watertown Community Fridge, located outside Francis Market. The Watertown Community Fridge officially opened this week, and people can take or leave food at the free community resource. The fridge is located in a shed outside of Francis Market, 1084 Belmont St. in Watertown. Organizers said people have already made use of the fridge.

Sweetgreen Opens Friday, Meals Sold on Opening Day Benefit Watertown Food Pantry

Arsenal Yards is home to the newest location of sweetgreen. The following announcement was provided by sweetgreen:

On Friday, August 27, sweetgreen, the seasonal restaurant with the mission of connecting people to real food, opens its newest Boston-area restaurant at Arsenal Yards (100 Bond Square, Watertown, MA 02472). 

The space will be able to accommodate 24 guests inside, with a spacious patio for an additional 26 diners to enjoy salads and bowls during Boston’s summer months. Sweetgreen features fresh, seasonal food, including salads, warm bowls and plates. Earlier this year, sweetgreen went through a complete rebrand, and the Arsenal Yards space will reflect the company’s newest look decorated with updated posters, graphics and photography. For every meal sold on opening day, sweetgreen will donate a meal to its local impact partner, Watertown Food Pantry, to nourish those who are  food insecure in the Watertown community.

Watertown Farmers’ Market Opens Next Week, See the List of Vendors for 2021

The following announcement came from the Watertown Farmers’ market:

Opening Day is Just One Week Away! Mark Your Calendar for Wednesday June 16th ~ 2:30 – 6:30 PM. We’re so excited to open the 8th season of the Farmers’ Market, and look forward to seeing familiar as well as new faces in our favorite outdoor marketplace! Market Updates

This season will be much different than last, now that most COVID-19 restrictions have been rescinded by the State and CDC. As always, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment, and encourage masks and social distancing for those who are more comfortable, and especially if unvaccinated.