The market, which returns to The Levee on Thursday, will also move to the western end near Johnston’s Shoes to make way for the arrival of Santa Claus. 

A survey of shopper habits and feedback at the market signalled the time change. 

The new time also opens the door for central Maitland workers to drop in during their lunch break.

Read more: Maitland’s fresh food revolution

Read more: Earth Market has a birthday

Those who cannot make it to the market can order a fresh food box and pick it up by 6pm. 

“A lot of the producers finish selling earlier and this time of the year is quite hard too because we are in between seasons. They’ve still got winter veg and the summer and spring crops are starting to come through,” Slow Food Hunter Valley secretary Anne Kelly said.

Ms Kelly said pre-packed food box orders were promising after the venture launched earlier this year but had since dropped off.

“I think some people don’t understand that this is a seasonal box … It is a Maitland box of truly seasonal foods – you’re going to get what the farmers can grow. You’re going to get winter veggies like cabbage and cauliflower until the spring and summer ones can be harvested.”

Click here to order a pre-packed box. 

Order a prepaid box at www.slowfoodhuntervalley.com.au.