• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Shop Local, Eat Fresh at the Saratoga Farmers' Market | Food, Crafts, Music in Saratoga Springs

Shop Local, Eat Fresh

  • Markets
    • Our Markets
  • Vendors
    • Vendor Directory
    • Becoming a Vendor
  • About Us
    • SFM Association
    • History
  • Programs
    • SNAP/EBT & FMNP
    • POP Club for Kids
    • Summer Internships
    • Compost Collection
  • Get Involved
  • News
    • Featured Article
    • Seasonal Recipes
    • Weekly Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Contact us
    • Message us!

Making Farmers Markets Into a Movement

December 14, 2016 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Did you know that farmers markets play a role in fighting food insecurity?

That’s one of many findings that the federal Nutrition.gov website offers. In a report prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on “The What and Why of Local Foods,” researchers argue that the food security of a particular locality in the United States might very well be dependent on the strength and vitality of its local food system.

The report notes that 50 million Americans lack food security, and that at least part of the challenge that they face is that they reside far away from outlets that distribute healthy food. Nearly 25 million individuals who lack food security live more than a mile away from a supermarket, which make access to food a challenge when the individuals also lack cars or access to public transportation. The issue grows more significant in rural areas where the nearest market might be an hour’s drive away.

These statistics highlight the role that highly localized, producer-oriented farmers’ markets might play in strengthening overall access to healthy foods. By having an ability to sell fruits and vegetables at a local market, local farmers are not only able to sustain themselves but also can create more nearby local outlets by which elderly residents and lower income individuals are able to easily access these foods. In addition, a growing number of farmers markets are accepting SNAP benefits and participating in other publicly funded ventures to help make their products available to such individuals.

food-fact-1The Saratoga Farmers Market is participating in these ventures. Our market not only accepts SNAP benefits but also Fresh Connect and Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons, which enable eligible recipients to receive fresh produce. Farmers then are able to redeem the coupons for cash through the state, which helps make the programs viable for them, as well.

The market’s vendors also have been donating produce and other goods weekly to the Franklin Community Center’s food pantry, as part of this endeavor. Friends of the Market members are organizing this pilot venture, and have a box available at the table for customers who wish to purchase items at the market for donation. Please support these worthy ventures.

More information about the role of farmers markets in communities throughout the United States is available at Nutrition.gov. The site, funded by a number of federal agencies, offers a treasure trove of reports, data, interactive charts, and even cooking tips for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Their underlying message is simple: When you shop at a farmers’ market, you’re not just making a purchase. You’re participating in a community movement that ultimately will be beneficial to all.

Filed Under: Did You Know, News Tagged With: Did You Know, Donations

Reader Interactions

Before Footer

Instagram

Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendo Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendors at today’s market!
Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Grano Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Granola Day. In honor of this, all sales with our friends from @toganola are 10% off this Saturday only! Their granola products are packaged in sustainable packaging and free of gluten, dairy & soy. 

Our winter market runs today from 9:3-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court. Hope you can make it!

Photo of and provided by @toganola 

#saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #granola #toganola #thingstodoinupstateny #organic #shopsmall #shoplocal #nationalgranoladay
Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today! For every $5 you spend using your SNAP/EBT card at our market, receive $2 in coupons. FreshConnect bucks can be used to buy: vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, honey, baked items, jams, plants that bear food, and prepared foods that are packed to eat at home. Plus, there’s no cap on issuance! Stop by our information stand to learn more. We’ll be open 9:30-1:30 tomorrow. ❄️🌾

#freshconnect #snap #ebt #nutrition #health #agriculture #shoplocal #shopssmall #farmtotable #saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #thingstodoinupstateny @wilton_mall_leasing
Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ ma Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ markets are a great way to start networking and finding your customer base. For 45 years, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has provided a platform for local farmers, artisans, bakers and more build their businesses into what they are today. If you’d like to join our community, please submit your 2023 Summer Vendor application. The link can be found in our bio. Last day to apply is January 31st. DM us here or email me at sfma.manager@gmail.com with any questions!! 

#farmersmarket #startup #smallbusiness #shoplocal #entrepreneur #community #saratogasprings #thingstodoinupstateny #growyourbusiness

Footer

With support from our friends at:

Copyright © 2023 · Saratoga Farmers Market · Design by REACH CREATIVE

    COVID-19: Check our latest Safety Guidelines!
  • Markets
    • Our Markets
  • Vendors
    • Vendor Directory
    • Becoming a Vendor
  • About Us
    • SFM Association
    • History
  • Programs
    • SNAP/EBT & FMNP
    • POP Club for Kids
    • Summer Internships
    • Compost Collection
  • Get Involved
  • News
    • Featured Article
    • Seasonal Recipes
    • Weekly Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Contact us
    • Message us!