By: Richard L. Smith
This Thursday, in celebration of National Eat a Peach Day, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) will be distributing free Jersey Fresh peaches to beachgoers at popular shore destinations.
As part of National Peach Month, the NJDA marketing team will visit Wildwood, Atlantic City, and Seaside Heights to highlight the state’s renowned peach crop.
NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn emphasized the ease with which residents and visitors can enjoy these local peaches, stating,
“August is National Peach Month, and with National Eat a Peach Day falling on Thursday, we’re making it easy for shoregoers to enjoy Jersey Fresh peaches. If you can’t make it to one of our distribution sites, you can find these sweet and juicy peaches at your local retailers, farm markets, or even visit a pick-your-own farm by checking www.FindJerseyFresh.com.”
The peach giveaways will start at 11:30 a.m. and will continue until supplies run out. Distribution points include the end of East Schellenger Avenue at the Wildwood boardwalk near Morey’s Piers, the end of New York Avenue in Atlantic City, and near the end of Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights.
New Jersey ranked as the fourth-largest peach-producing state in 2023, with farmers harvesting 28.4 million pounds of peaches from 3,300 acres, generating a production value of $29 million, according to the USDA.
The state's peach season typically extends into September.
For those looking to enjoy more Jersey Fresh peaches or to find recipes, the NJDA encourages visiting www.FindJerseyFresh.com for additional information.
