The Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market will be move inside to the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth Center Thursday, Dec. 7.

The market will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. every first and third Thursday through April in the upstairs library, according to a news release from the youth center.

The youth center’s commitment to garden-to-table living is coming to fruition with its new year-round Growing Dome greenhouse, officially opening only five days after the Farmers’ Market takes up residence in its facility. This, combined with the Teaching Kitchen and whole family wellness project planned for 2018, makes the pairing of the two organizations a perfect match, according to the release.

Using the now accessible resource, Waterville youth can learn from the farm vendors as they begin to prepare their own booth. This youth-run stand will be entirely prepared and managed by the AYC After School Program youth and will offer fresh grown vegetables, spices and potted flowers in the months to come. With the completion of the Teaching Kitchen future wares will include youth grown and prepared salsas and more, according to the release.

Not only can people get their fresh farm vegetables and fruit from the farmers who grow them, they also can pick up a variety of freshly baked breads, pies and pastries, specialty sauces and spreads, artisan cheese, gourmet prepared meals and fresh pasta.

“We are so excited to be a part of the AYC,” said Kelly LaCasse, community food equity coordinator at Healthy Northern Kennebec, owner of The Maine Meal, and driving force behind the Market’s move to its new winter home, according to the release. “The center serves so much of the community, we hope this ideal location will reach new consumers and expand our base.”

Vendors accept WIC, EBT and the market does offer the Maine Harvest Bucks program. For more information on Maine Harvest Bucks, the EBT incentive program that earns a dollar towards fresh fruits and vegetables for every dollar spent on local food, see the market information booth.

The library, on the center’s second floor, is accessible by elevator or stairs and offers a large, accessible space for vendors and customers.

For more information, visit WatervilleFarmersMarket.org.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth Center or ways to help, visit ClubAYC.org.