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 718-246-4889.
Sincerely,
Joan L. Millman
Member of Assembly
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.
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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
1-800-522-5006 or your local CSFP agency at 718-498-9208, or visit
www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/fmnp.
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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:
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket
Tues., Thurs. & Sat.
8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Carroll Park Greenmarket
Sundays
8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Saturdays
8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Dumbo Farmers’ Market
(Main Street Entrance to
Brooklyn Bridge Park)
Sundays
11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Park Slope Farmers’ Market
(4th Street and 5th Avenue)
Sundays
11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
