by Nick Rose
The Old Forge Farmers Market (OFFM) concluded its 8th season on October 9 after sixteen weeks of operation.
Old Forge remains the largest and best attended market in Herkimer County averaging over 250 customers per week.
During the season we were also able to add some new vendors, such as JZ Farms and Heidelberg Bakery to our market family.
The market also served as a host to local non-profit organizations and fundraising.
In addition to CAP-21, the market hosted VIEW, the Niccolls Mission Boutique, the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, the Old Forge Garden Club, Herkimer County Cooperative Extension, Herkimer County Office for the Aging and the County Call 211 program.
The market also made a major contribution to nutrition assistance for our community.
The market redeemed federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP), NYS Fresh Connect & Veterans Assistance Coupons, and vouchers from the Herkimer County Office for the Aging.
In addition, through the cooperation of St. Bartholomew’s and Niccolls Memorial churches, CAP-21 provides local $5 coupons redeemable at the market.
This year CAP-21 provided $680 worth of local Market Coupons.
Continuing its support of the local food pantries, CAP-21 has once again donated $1,500 to both churches, amounting to a seasonal nutrition contribution of almost $4,400, an increase from 2014.
It is so 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 would like to thank our vendors and our customers for a great season, and give 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 promise to return again next year.
We hope to see you all again on the last Friday in June 2016.
