In an effort to increase access to fresh, locally-grown foods, Catskill Mountainkeeper is managing a new farmers’ market that is going through its’ first full season this summer. Beginning in July, the market is Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) approved, which means that all of the farmers and producers are eligible to accept vouchers – both WIC and Senior – from recipients and redeem them for cash.
The market is located across from the Government Center in Monticello in the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center lawn, and coincides with the issue times for the FMNP vouchers, which are picked up by recipients just across the street in the Government offices.
While there is a large – and growing – number of markets in the county, the county is large and access to markets is a huge barrier for many communities in our County for purchasing locally-grown foods. Prior to the start of this market, there were no markets in Monticello, which is where the majority of FMNP recipients reside. Monticello is also classified by USDA-ERS to be a food desert.
While access to markets has been a significant factor in our county’s low FMNP redemption rates, another likely barrier has been the low number of FMNP certified farmers who sell at existing farmers’ markets in Sullivan County. Over the past year, Catskill Mountainkeeper has been working with SC CCE, Public Health, and Office for the Aging to work with area farmers to increase enrollment and participation in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The farms participating in the Monticello market this season are Root ‘N Roost Farm, Big Eddy Farmstand (Narrowsburg), and Trapani Farms (Milton).
The redemption rates this year have been record-breaking in Sullivan County, with 650 voucher redemptions through the Monticello market alone. Public Health is requesting more vouchers from the State to continue promote continued high redemption rates through the conclusion of the market in mid-October.
The market runs every other Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. through October. The next market is scheduled for Monday, September 9th.
For more information, contact Emily Deans at 845-482-5400.
