The Old Forge Farmers Market (OFFM) concluded a great 7th season on October 10. Old Forge remains the largest and best attended market in Herkimer County averaging over 230 customers per week.
The market averaged over 16 farmers and four artisans per week. During the season we were also able to add five new vendors to our market family.
The market also served as a host to non-profit organizations and fund-raising.
In addition to CAP-21, the market assisted the Town of Webb Historical Association, VIEW, One Square Mile of Hope, the Eagle Bay Uplift Society, the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, 4-H Club, the Old Forge Garden Club, Herkimer County Cooperative Extension and the County Office for the Aging.
The market also made a major contribution to nutrition assistance for our community.
The market redeemed $231 in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP), $142 in NYS Fresh Connect Coupons, $200 in food vouchers from Herkimer County Office for the Aging, $420 in CAP-21 food coupons issued through St. Barts and Niccolls Memorial and $230 in market bag sales.
In addition, the CAP-21 Board will be donating $1,500 to each of the two church food pantries, for a total annual market nutrition donation of $4,223, an overall 49% increase in food assistance over 2013.
It is important to think of the Old Forge Farmers Market as not only a Friday destination for good things to eat, but also as an economic driver for small business, a driver for increased tourism within the town, a supporter of our community non-profits and an agent of community support for those older people and families who may be having some difficulty making ends meet.
Nutrition should not have to be an either-or situation when paying the bills.
The Old Forge Farmers Market is a program administered and supported by CAP-21. We thank our vendors and our customers for a great season, and a special thank you to Old Forge Hardware for their continued sponsorship of market space.
And finally, a big thanks to our market co-managers, Reed and Barb Proper, who have promised to return again next year.
See you all on the last Friday in June.