The top 3 places to shop for produce according to Manchester locals

Moving to a new city comes with a long list of small but important questions, and one of the first is often where to buy good, fresh food. In Manchester, access to fruits and vegetables isn’t limited to big grocery chains. The city has a mix of neighborhood markets and seasonal farmers’ markets that make it easier to shop thoughtfully and get to know where your food comes from.

These markets provide a way to learn the rhythms of New Hampshire’s growing seasons. There, you can get to know local farms and producers and build everyday routines, creating healthier habits. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bag of apples or planning a full week of meals, these stores forge a strong connection between Manchester’s residents and our regional farmers.

These markets also play a practical role in keeping fresh food accessible. Some accept SNAP/EBT and participate in matching programs that help stretch grocery budgets while encouraging the purchase of fruits and vegetables. That focus on affordability and inclusion helps ensure that fresh produce remains part of daily life for households across the region.

As you explore Manchester, getting to know these produce-focused shops can be an easy and meaningful way to feel more connected to your new community and the people who grow and provide the food you bring home. Below are three places in Manchester where longtime residents love to shop for local produce.

Fresh Produce (Pexels)

Farm & Flower Market
15 Webster St, Manchester, NH 03104

Farm & Flower Market is likely the first place Manchester residents recommend when asked where to buy fresh produce. This locally owned market has been part of the city’s fabric for decades, serving as a reliable stop for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The shelves are stocked with what’s in season across New Hampshire and New England. For newcomers, it’s a great introduction to how closely tied the region is to local agriculture.

The market is open year-round, and its current hours of operation are 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. While the selection shifts with the seasons, that’s part of its appeal. In the summer, you can find bins of tomatoes, corn, and berries, while in colder months, you’ll find plenty of storage crops like squash, and also hardy greens. Farm & Flower Market’s straightforward layout helps shoppers make sense of what’s on the shelves, and every item is sourced with care.

Farm & Flower Market also accepts SNAP/EBT, which helps keep fresh produce accessible to everyone. More than just a place to shop, the shop is a neighborhood anchor, especially for people who want to support local growers while building healthier eating habits.

Fresh Start Food Hub & Market
150 Spruce St, Manchester, NH 03103

Fresh Start Food Hub & Market, located on Spruce Street in downtown Manchester, plays a unique and deeply important role in the city’s food system. Operated by the nonprofit Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success, the market was created to strengthen local farming while making fresh, nutritious food more accessible—particularly for immigrant families, refugees, and residents facing food insecurity.

Inside the market, you’ll find fresh produce, eggs, meat, pantry staples, and New England–sourced products, often grown or produced by regional farmers. The store operates year-round, with hours designed to serve both walk-in shoppers and participants in their CSA and mobile market programs. They are currently open on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., but hours are subject to change. 

Fresh Start proudly accepts SNAP/EBT and participates in Granite State Market Match, allowing shoppers to stretch their food dollars further when buying fruits and vegetables. According to their website, they are Manchester’s only Double Up Food Bucks Market. This means all fresh fruits and vegetables are half-priced for shoppers using SNAP/EBT.

The market represents a broader commitment to economic opportunity and local agriculture, making it one of the most community-driven fresh food markets in the city.

A Market
125 Loring St, Manchester, NH 03103

A Market is a go-to option for shoppers who prefer an organic diet built from fresh produce and natural foods. This independently owned grocery store has built a loyal following by focusing on clean, thoughtfully sourced products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, supplements, and eco-friendly household goods. For newcomers interested in healthier eating, it’s an easy place to start exploring what’s available locally.

The store is open daily and offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere that feels very different from a conventional supermarket. Produce selections tend to emphasize organic options, and staff members are often knowledgeable and approachable, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to natural or specialty foods.

While A Market isn’t specifically produce-focused, its commitment to quality and wellness makes it a valuable local staple, serving Manchester’s community. It serves residents looking to align their grocery shopping with a focus on health and local values.