The Melrose Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in Massachusetts. Founded in 1994 by Melrose resident Sally Frank, the market was created to bring locally grown food directly into the community. From June through October, the market hosts more than 25 vendors each Thursday and welcomes 800 to 1,000 visitors weekly. Today, the Melrose Farmers’ Market is a vibrant community gathering place—uplifting local farmers and small businesses while offering live music, children’s activities, educational food demonstrations, and opportunities for local nonprofits and businesses to connect with neighbors.

At the heart of the market’s mission is a commitment to expanding access to fresh, local food for all. The market began accepting SNAP benefits in 2012, enabling eligible shoppers to use EBT cards at the market, and later established a SNAP Match program to further increase purchasing power for fresh produce. In 2017, with the creation of the Massachusetts Healthy Incentive Program (HIP), the market became the only site in Melrose to accept HIP benefits. Operated by a small, woman-led staff and a dedicated volunteer board the Melrose Farmers’ Market continues to strengthen food security, support local agriculture, and foster a resilient, connected community.

Learn more about our market team below:

Board of Directors

Ali DiMatteo, Board Chair
Ali has been visiting the Market since she moved to Melrose in 2013 and currently serves as Chair of the Board. Ali has a JD and has worked in politics and policy for much of her career. She can usually be found chasing her two kids around the Market while updating the chalkboard signs. Behind the scenes, she works on the Market’s sponsorship program and the many fundraisers and events that help fund the Market and the SNAP match. Ali loves to buy tomatillos/husk cherries at the Market, and always stocks-up on them during the few weeks they are available.

Laura Kahl, Vice Chair
Laura started volunteering with the Farmers’ Market in 2016 and is currently the Vice Chair. She also coordinates the Market’s fantastic group of volunteers. Laura has lived in Melrose with her husband and two kids since 2015, and although she works as a lawyer for a firm in Wakefield she tries to make it to the Market after work as often as possible. Her favorite things to buy at the Market are the in-season tomatoes.

Olivia Cerf, Treasurer
Olivia Cerf has been shopping at the Melrose Farmers' Market since 2021. Farmers' markets contribute to many of Olivia's hopes for our best possible world: investing in local business, enhancing access to nutritious food, helping farms thrive as businesses, reducing "food miles", and bringing people together to enjoy arts, each other, and the outdoors. Her professional experience is in global telehealth partnerships and in corporate wellness, and she is glad to have the opportunity to contribute some of her skills closer to home. 

Joy Fay, Board Member at Large
Joy serves on the Melrose Farmers Market board with a special area of interest in children’s programming and family engagement. She has been attending for many years and values it as a longtime community gathering place. Joy began her business soon after her arrival in Melrose and has been offering fitness programs in the community for over 20 years. Her Free-Range Kids outdoor enrichment programs have been warmly received by the community and reflect her passion for encouraging curiosity, creativity, and active play. Joy often brings her pet chickens to the Market, delighting children and families and adding to the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. She is proud to support the Market as a space where families can connect, learn, and grow together.

Julie Mallon, Board Member at Large
Julie has been attending the market since she moved to Melrose in 2019 and began volunteering in 2022. She currently works locally as a nurse practitioner and enjoys painting when she isn't busy with her three kids. Her favorite produce items at the market are fresh strawberries. 

Market Staff

Stephanie Zabel, Executive Director & Market Manager
Steph brings a background in plant science and herbalism to her work organizing place-based programs that connect people with food, land, and one another. Guided by a deep commitment to the natural world and to building resilient communities, she is the founder of Herbstalk, a long-running herbal gathering that brings together educators, artisans, farmers, and students from across New England. With extensive experience in community-based event planning, vendor coordination, and public programming, Steph leads the Melrose Farmers’ Market in creating a vibrant community gathering space that uplifts local farmers and small businesses while expanding equitable access to fresh food. Her work is especially focused on strengthening food security during a time of growing need, including through the market’s SNAP Match program, which helps ensure that all neighbors can afford locally grown food.