Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus is proud to recognize National Farmers Market Week, which runs through Saturday, August 8th.
“Buying products from any of our great community markets is a wonderful way to support our local agricultural industry,” Neuhaus said. “Orange County is lucky to have many robust and successful farmers markets. These markets provide us all with a great way to eat healthy and ensure a sustainable Orange County.”
Neuhaus announced that during this year’s National Farmers Market Week, markets will partner with local food pantries to collect both food and cash donations to help people in need the our COVID-19 health crisis. Farmers markets will host local food pantries at their markets and residents can make donations directly to them.
“I think it’s great our County is using the platform of National Farmers Market Week for such an important and worthwhile cause,” Neuhaus said. “It is a win/win to recognize our hardworking farmers market vendors and the food pantries so diligently help the less fortunate.”
Some food pantries may have restrictions or guidelines on how donations can be accepted during the COVID-19 crisis. Below are suggested ways that residents can participate.
- Purchasing local food from farmers/vendors at the market for donation
- Donating funds directly to the food programs to help them achieve their mission
- Farmers and vendors can donate to the food pantries at the end of the market day
- Bringing shelf-stable products to the market for donation. (not all pantries will accept these.)
For more information about donations, go to orangetourism.org/farms.
To find out more about the program, farmers markets in general, or to find a market near you, visit orangecountygov.com/agriculture or call (845) 372-6550.
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