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The Benefits of Buying Local Products Locally

March 17, 2016 By marketeditor

By Julia Howard

Murray Hollow Bread

Murray Hollow Bread

Feathered Antler

Feathered Antler

Custom created bags, shoes, hats, jewelry, baby accessories and wall art.

Mariaville Mushroom Men

Mariaville Mushroom Men

Variety of exotic mushrooms, including shiitake, oyster, lions mane, pioppino; mushroom teas.

Gomez Veggie Ville

Gomez Veggie Ville

Pesticide-free cherry tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, kale and more.

Lorna
Euro Delicacies

Euro Delicacies

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a social venue. Regular shoppers to the market know and love its festive atmosphere. They run into friends and exchange thoughts and ideas with local farmers and other food producers. What they might not know is the economic impact of such actions.

“In Saratoga, we have so many unique locally owned businesses that you’d be hard pressed to find an item that you can’t buy locally,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. In other words, money spent locally means that more money circulates in the local economy.

“Our local family owned businesses really are the lifeblood of our communities,” Shimkus said. “If we want them to be able to contribute to the many great causes we all support than we should think of them and buy from them first.”

“In buying locally, we should be purchasing locally made products,” added Alan Brown, owner of Lewis-Waite Farm in Greenwich, NY, which sells its farm-raised meats year-round at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

Many Saratoga residents might think of farming as a seasonal activity. Farmers in the Capitol region and throughout Upstate New York, however, are turning their farms into year-round ventures. They use high tunnels, greenhouses, and hydroponic methods to produce fresh vegetables through the winter. Farms that raise beef cattle, sheep, chickens, and other livestock care for their animals year-round.

By visiting the farmers market throughout the year, local residents are giving local farmers the financial support to operate all year.

Shopping locally is also better for the environment because it shortens the distance that food travels from its origin to your dinner table. Transport costs, fuel use, preservations, and packaging also are reduced significantly when more food is produced, sold, and bought locally. In addition, buying from a local producer eliminates costs of intermediary purchases and shipping, giving consumers more value for the dollar.

Plus, the quality of locally made and produced foods is undeniable. Produce is fresher and lasts longer, meat is more flavorful, and food becomes not only something to savor for its taste but also an experience that connects you to the land. Local, handmade goods are inspired by their environment and crafted carefully with a mindfulness to who will purchase it.

The unique nature of Saratoga Springs is due in part to local businesses and locally produced items. As Maddy Zanetti of Impressions of Saratoga put it, “The store you shop from pays taxes, donates to the community, helps with events, is involved in the city’s politics, who knows the many ways they affect the area. Without all of the small local people and products our downtown would not be what it is. And without our downtown, Saratoga Springs would not be what it is.” People are drawn to Saratoga for these reasons and come to experience the diversity and the difference that Saratoga is known for.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: Saratoga Farmers' Market

Reader Interactions

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Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest S Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest Schroon Moon spreadable cow's cheeses yet? Go for savory or sweet with 5 different flavors. Pick some up at this Saturday's market - we'll be open 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #saratogany #wilton #518 #518eats #farmfresh #nofarmsnofood #dairy #cheese
We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies

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