The Benefits of Shopping at Farmers’ Markets

Dear Friend,

Agriculture is a $3.6 billion-a-year industry in New York. About 25 percent of the state’s land area, or 7.55 million acres, is used by more than 35,000 farms to produce an array of products. Many of these farms are small, family-owned businesses that invest deeply in our communities. Whether you are biting into a crisp apple or enjoying a glass of wine—New York’s farm products are ranked among the top in the nation.

One of the best ways to access these goods is a visit to your local farmers’ market. Scattered across the state from New York City to the Adirondacks to Niagara Falls, each week local farmers’ markets bring the freshest farm produce directly to you. By buying directly from the farmer, you invest in agriculture and ensure that your family is eating the best of what New York has to offer.

New York’s farmers are an important part of our economy. I encourage you to visit some of the local markets listed in this pamphlet. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 718-383-7474.

Sincerely,
signature
Aileen Gunther
Member of Assembly

18 Anawana Lake Road
Monticello, NY 12701
(845) 794-5807
gunthera@assembly.state.ny.us

Farmers’ markets create a vibrant public space that brings community members together. People of all ages and backgrounds go to farmers’ markets to enjoy local goods and fresh air, and interact with their friends and neighbors.

There are also programs available, so everyone can shop at and enjoy all that farmers’ markets have to offer.

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides coupons to eligible Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) participants that are only valid at farmers’ markets and can only be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2008, 114,000 low-income seniors and 250,000 WIC families benefited from the program. For more information about FMNP, contact your local WIC agency at (845) 292-5910 ext. 5, or visit www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/fmnp.
The Farmers’ Market Wireless EBT program provides a handheld wireless terminal to farmers’ markets for the acceptance and processing of electronic food stamp benefits. For more information about how to receive food stamps, call (800) 342-3009 and press 1 for food stamps, or in New York City, call (877) 472-8411.

Farmers’ markets provide a variety of fresh, delicious produce depending on the month and the farmers’ market you attend. Seasonal produce you may find at your local farmers’ market:

June
strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, asparagus, peas, beets, lettuce, rhubarb, spinach, summer squash and zucchini

July
blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, raspberries, corn, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, potatoes, herbs, onions and tomatoes

August
blackberries, cantaloupes, cauliflower, celery, leeks, turnips, prunes and pears

September
watermelon, dry beans, brussel sprouts, apples, grapes, kale and lima beans

October
parsnips and pumpkins

Check out your local farmers’ market!

Farmers’ markets near you and their hours:

ORANGE COUNTY

Port Jervis
Municipal lot, Ball and Front streets
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Middletown
Erie Way from Grow to Cottage streets
Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Florida
190 N. Main St. between
routes 17A and 94, across from Quick Check
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Early birds are welcome.

Goshen
Village Square, Main St. and South Church St.
Fridays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monroe
Museum Village, 1010 Rt. 17M
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pine Bush
Main and New streets
behind the Crawford Cultural Center
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Warwick
South Street parking lot
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SULLIVAN COUNTY

Barryville
Mail Road cul-de-sac at the
intersection of Route 97 and Route 55
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Callicoon
Callicoon Creek Park, Audrey Dorrer Rd
Sundays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Jeffersonville
Parking lot across from post office,
Main Street (State Hwy. 52)
Thursdays, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Kauneonga Lake
3586 NYS Rt. 55, pavilion
behind Kauneonga Lake Fire Dept.
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Liberty
Village parking lot, Darbee Lane
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Narrowsburg
Public library parking lot
Saturdays, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Bethel Woods
Hurd and West Shore roads
Aug. 30 – Oct. 11
Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Roscoe
Old Rt. 17 across from
Presbyterian Church
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.