X

Farmers markets in Massena and Hammond to open in early July

Posted 7/1/16

The Hammond Farmers and Artisans Market opens on July 6, at the Hammond Museum on state Route 37. Hours are 3 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday until Sept. 28. The Massena Farmers Market opens on July 7 at …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Farmers markets in Massena and Hammond to open in early July

Posted

The Hammond Farmers and Artisans Market opens on July 6, at the Hammond Museum on state Route 37. Hours are 3 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday until Sept. 28.

The Massena Farmers Market opens on July 7 at Danforth Place. This market will be open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of October.

The Canton Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday in the Village Park until October.

The Gouverneur Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday on the Village Green in Gouverneur through October.

The Potsdam Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at Ives Park until October.

Markets are held rain or shine.

In July, sellers may offer beans, beets, berries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs, honey, leeks, onions, peas, peppers, radishes, spinach, summer squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, and turnips. In addition, the markets frequently have other food, such as maple syrup and baked goods, and also local wine and craft vendors.

All farmers markets in St. Lawrence County are equipped to accept debit cards or SNAP-EBT benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps). To use these cards, the customer should visit the market manager's booth, where the cards can be swiped and tokens will be provided to spend with the farmers. GardenShare manages this service for the Farmers Markets and more information can be found at http://gardenshare.org/content/farmers-markets

This year, through a grant from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, GardenShare will be able to double the value for anyone purchasing at the above-listed Farmers Market with a SNAP-EBT card. For each $5 charged to the SNAP-EBT card, the customer will receive $10 worth of tokens that can be spent for SNAP approved items like fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, or food plants at the Farmers Market.

In addition, SNAP-EBT customers will receive a frequent customer card. After visiting and purchasing food at the market five different days, the SNAP-EBT customer will receive an additional $20 in tokens to be spent at the farmers market for these food items. This benefit is also supported through the grant from Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield.

"Shopping at a Farmers Markets is a great way to support our local family farmers who may have a hard time competing in the larger food marketplace," said Gloria McAdam, executive director of GardenShare. "And, of course, shopping at the Farmers Markets will get you the best-tasting and freshest fruits and vegetables. The Farmers Market is also a community hub, a good place to meet your neighbors and connect with people. Everyone deserves the chance to take part in the community-building of a Farmers Market and to eat the great food. GardenShare is happy we can make the benefit of this healthy, locally-grown food accessible to our lower-income neighbors."