With the recent warm weather it is hard not to think about all the great farmers markets that pop up all over Ulster County. Farmers markets are a center point for any growing community and it can't be truer than for the Hudson Valley. With the ability to bring people close together over wholesome food, it is a perfect meeting spot for any group or family. Mainly, combined with all natural and locally sourced food, it provides a clear example of what community in Kingston NY means.
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Protect the Environment
How long do you think it takes for food to get to your kitchen? Can you believe the answer is over 1,500 miles? Another question for you, do you think that food is still fresh after 1,500 miles? Unfortunately, the answer is no. After days and weeks of shipping and handling, not only do these foods contribute to global warming and pollution by transit via trucks and planes, but also start to lack in taste. Farmer's markets, on the other hand, travel much shorter distances and produce their food much more wholesome than store bought food to minimize their impact on the environment.
Experience New Foods and Recipes
Not only do farmers grow their own food, but it’s their lifestyle. At farmers markets, the workers in Kingston are incredibly knowledgeable. You can expect to be treated to outstanding information on their produce, how it’s grown, where it was grown, and any other details you could possibly ask. At food stores, you, unfortunately, can experience a hit or miss with information due to the fact employees aren’t trained to know about the food they're selling, especially when most of it is unethically grown.
Support Ulster County Farmers and Small Businesses
It’s important to support your local farmers in Ulster County due to the overcompensation of largely grown food corporations that sell cheap food for a hefty price tag. Buying directly from a farm not only means you’ll be getting food faster, but also much cheaper than an average food store. Also, small businesses are prone to struggling more than large companies. Since they grow their food much more ethically, it costs more money, even though they sell their food at a lower rate. Overall, for small farms, selling food is more about money endeavors, it’s about the culture. It’s about providing a source of healthy nutrient based food for the growing populous without the sneaky business trends of giant food corporations. This is why it’s so important to help smaller businesses, to help them help your community. In doing so, together we can all change the world for the better.
Economic Growth for the Hudson Valley
There have been studies completed that show farmer’s markets have a positive impact on the communities where they are located. Markets impact economic growth both directly and indirectly. When shoppers patronize farmer’s markets, they are directly supporting the farmer, their farmer, and their business. Research has also shown that home values tend to increase in areas with farmer’s markets. Additionally, the businesses that are located near the farmer’s market tend to see a revenue increase, thus stimulating the local economy. Farmer’s markets are usually only the first step when it comes it increasing positive change in a community.
Connect with Your Community
Heading down to your local farmer’s market is a great way to connect with your community. The farmer’s market provides a spot to gather around a centralized purpose, buying food. It is the perfect place to bring your family, meet up with friends, or just escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Grocery shopping becomes less of a chore and more of a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
You could make a trip to the grocery store, pushing your cart through the fluorescent lighting just trying to get in and get out as fast as you can. Or you can have the truly unique experience of heading down to the market. Spending time outside on a sunny day, taking in all the culture and colors of the fresh foods, engaging with your neighbors and local farmers in a meaningful way. At the market, you can talk with your fellow shoppers, making small talk or just flashing a friendly smile. You can engage with the vendors in Kingston NY, too. Ask questions about the food you are buying and speak with someone who is truly passionate about what they do. The farmer’s market provides a free and open place to commune and converse with the people and sights around you.
Farmer’s markets have an incredibly positive impact on the towns and areas where they are located. They stimulate economic growth, provide a central place for people to gather, and create an overall healthier community. So the next time you are looking to experience a day out, head over to one of our favorite markets, located in Ulster County in the Hudson Valley.
Open Dates and Locations
Woodstock Farm Festival
Open: Wednesday’s starting on June 1 (3 p.m. until dusk); 6 Maple Lane, Woodstock
www.woodstockfarmfestival.com
Gardiner Greenmarket
Open: Friday’s starting June 3 (3 p.m. until dusk); Gardiner Library, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike, Gardiner
www.townofgardiner.org/GREENMARKET
Kingston Farmers Market
Open: Saturday’s starting Memorial Day weekend (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.); Wall Street between John and North Front streets, Kingston
www.kingstonfarmersmarket.org
Saugerties Farmers Market
Open: Saturday’s starting Memorial Day Weekend (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.); 115 Main Street, Saugerties
www.saugertiesfarmersmarket.com
Heart of the Hudson Valley
Open: Saturday’s starting June 25 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Cluett-Schantz Park, 1801-1805 Rt. 9W, Milton
www.hhvfarmersmarket.com
Rosendale Farmers Market
Open: Sunday’s starting June (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Rosendale Community Center, 1055 Rt. 32
www.rosendalefarmersmarketny.com
New Paltz Farmers Market
Open: Sunday’s starting June 12 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.); 25 Plattekill Ave., New Paltz
www.newpaltzfarmersmarket.com
Ellenville Farmers Market
Open: Sunday’s starting June 4 (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.), Market and Center streets, Ellenville NY
Fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, crafts, family entertainment and events. We accept WIC and Seniors checks (FMNP). New crafts and food vendors are welcome.
- Telephone: 845-668-0424 or 845-443-1946
- Email: EllenvilleOrgVeg@aol.com
- Social: https://www.facebook.com/
Ellenville-Farmers-Market- 130898950326230/ - Web: http://ellenvillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com
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