Orange County Will Recognize National Farmers Market Week

The Hudson Valley is rich with local farms and farm markets. No matter where you travel in the Hudson Valley region you will come across a local farm producing amazing fresh fruits and vegetables. We even have farms raising livestock that supply local groceries stores and restaurants. Farm to table restaurants and menus can be found in just about every town throughout our area. That's why it is so great that Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced that Orange County is planning to honor National Farmers Market Week.

In a press release from earlier today (July 31, 2020), Executive Neuhaus announced that he is proud to recognize National Farmers Market Week which runs through next Saturday August 8th. He is stated as saying “Orange County is lucky to have many robust and successful farmers markets. These markets provide us all with a great way to eat healthy and ensure a sustainable Orange County.”

So how can we get involved as a community, simple we visit our local farmers market in Orange County this week, support them as they also support area food pantries. The County Executive announced that the farmers markets have partnered with local food pantries for the week to help them collect donations to stock their shelves which have been hit hard with the Coronavirus' economic impact. We are encouraged to shop at our favorite market and hopefully help by also making a donation to our local food pantry which will be set up at the markets to receive donations.

“I think it’s great our County is using the platform of National Farmers Market Week for such an important and worthwhile cause,” Neuhaus said. “It is a win/win to recognize our hardworking farmers market vendors and the food pantries so diligently help the less fortunate.”

The release went on to included how we can help during this time. Some pantries have restrictions for what they can except during the COVID-19 outbreak so the following suggestions where include in the press release so the public understands how they can donate.

• Purchasing local food from farmers/vendors at the market for donation
• Donating funds directly to the food programs to help them achieve their mission
• Farmers and vendors can donate to the food pantries at the end of the market day
• Bringing shelf stable products to the market for donation. (not all pantries will accept these.)

You can find out more by going to orangetourism.org/farms. You can also get more information and find a market near you by visiting orangecountygov.com/agriculture or call 845-372-6550