By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that 10 organizations will share $750,000 through the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program to improve farmers’ markets across the state.
The funding will support infrastructure upgrades, processing improvements, marketing efforts, and projects that strengthen New York’s food supply chain while expanding access to fresh, locally produced food.
“This program is so important because it supports our farmers and agricultural industry while also improving access to healthy and nutritious food to communities across our state. We are proud to support our farmers’ markets and ensure they have the tools they need to serve their communities and continue to grow," Commissioner Ball said.
"In addition, our FreshConnect and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, both offered at farmers’ markets across the State, allow New Yorkers to use their benefits to purchase food at their local farmers’ markets, and continued outreach efforts are helping consumers take advantage of these opportunities.”
Originally introduced as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2022 State of the State agenda, the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program aims to strengthen local food systems, increase demand for New York agricultural products, improve food access, and help markets better respond to future challenges.
The fourth round of funding supports projects that expand outreach, improve market facilities, strengthen vendor services, enhance SNAP and EBT access, and increase consumer engagement.
The 10 organizations receiving grants are:
- Fair Share WNY (Western New York)
- Greater Lockport Development Corporation (Western New York)
- Hamburg Chamber of Commerce (Western New York)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County (Mid-Hudson)
- North East Community Center (Mid-Hudson)
- Catskill Mountainkeeper (Mid-Hudson)
- New York Botanical Garden (New York City)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Oneida (Mohawk Valley)
- Adirondack North Country Association (North Country)
- Common Council for Assistance (Southern Tier)
The Department of Agriculture and Markets also continues to expand food access through programs such as FreshConnect Checks and FreshConnect Fresh2You. These initiatives help low-income families, seniors, veterans, servicemembers, and SNAP recipients purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats at local farmers’ markets while supporting New York farmers and strengthening regional food systems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Government & Policy