Farmers Markets Open This Week

The Canton Farmers Market opens this Friday, May 13, on the green in Canton.  This Market will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Tuesday and Friday until October.

The Potsdam Farmers Market opens this Saturday, May 14 at Ives Park in Potsdam.  This Market will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Saturday until October.

Farmers Markets are held rain or shine.

In May at the Farmers Markets, you may find asparagus, lettuce, green onions, parsnips, dried beans, and rhubarb, among other things.  In addition, the markets frequently have other food, wine, and craft vendors. 

Both Farmers Markets 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, thanks to a generous grant from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, GardenShare will be able to double the value for anyone purchasing at the Farmers Market with a SNAP-EBT card.  For each $5.00 charged to the SNAP-EBT card, the customer will receive $10.00 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 $20.00 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 our local Farmers Markets not only gives the consumer the freshest, healthiest produce possible, it also supports our local farmers and keeps that money in the local economy.  GardenShare is pleased to be able to make the benefit of this healthy, locally-grown food accessible to our lower-income neighbors and especially grateful to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for funding the bonuses to those who rely on the SNAP program in order to feed their families.

For more information, visit www.gardenshare.org