CAP-21 receives grant for farmers market

The Old Forge Farmers Market was the recipient of one of 34 Fresh Connect grants awarded by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. Governor Cuomo launched the Fresh Connect program last year to expand and improve access to farmer’s markets across the State. These Fresh Connect grants are intended to improve access to healthy and locally produced food while expanding economic opportunities for NYS farmers and producers.

The Old Forge Farmers Market opened in the summer of 2008 and will use these resources to implement a food stamp electronic benefit transfer program, to upgrade the market appearance, to work with Community Transportation Services on transportation to the market for older individuals or those with transportation issues, and to hopefully create some market internships for young people thereby creating improved teen nutrition and a positive work experience for them. The market also hopes to reach out to new vendors and build stronger relationships with its current vendors.

Market Manager Kelly Hamlin stated, “We look forward to a great fifth season for the Old Forge Farmers Market and believe that this Fresh Connect grant will help us develop an expanded and more diverse market that provides nutrition access to more people in our community.”

CAP-21 also wishes to express its appreciation to Old Forge Hardware for their continued support of the market. The Old Forge Farmers Market will kick off on June 29 and operate every Friday through Oct. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the lot behind Old Forge Hardware.