Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today was joined by MVP Health Care and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District to unveil details for this Sunday’s new Farmers Market outside the MVP Arena. The Farmers Market series will take place on four Sundays throughout the summer and fall starting on July 16.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for local vendors and our downtown community to enjoy this Farmers Market series. We’re bringing more fresh produce and healthy food options to the neighborhood and showcasing diverse local businesses, nonprofits, and artists,” said County Executive McCoy.

The Farmers Market series is the first major project supported by the Innovation Fund, a partnership between Albany County and MVP Health Care. The purpose of the fund is to improve the overall health and vitality of the surrounding community. The fund also promotes the MVP Arena as a marquee asset to the community by supporting healthier, inclusive, and expanded opportunities.

Guests at each market will be able to explore a diverse array of 20-30 vendors selling a variety of products including organic produce, poultry, meats, eggs, artisan cheeses, honey and maple goods, baked goods, artisan coffee, craft beverage and farm distillery products, handmade jewelry, candles, soap and other home products, and art from local artists. Local nonprofits and community focused groups will also be on-site providing fun and educational activities that are in line with the theme of each market. The July 16 market’s theme will be Healthy Living, featuring a smoothie bike and a cooking activity provided by Honest Weight Food Co-op; The themes for the August 20, September 17, and October 15 markets will be Literacy, Environmental Awareness, and Harvest, respectively. Vendors at the July 16 Albany County Farmers Market include A Caffeinated Painter, Albany Neighborhood Services, Ardith Mae Farmstead, Celebrations of Albany, Eight Mile Creek Farm, Euphoria Gourmet Soap, Grand Arts Radio, Great Exbaketations, High Peaks Distilling, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Modern WickCraft, Motor Oil Coffee, Mountain Winds Farm, Nelly's Treats, New Scotland Spirits, Nude Dwellings, Shameka Andrews, Sparkling Gems Jewelry, Stacks Espresso Bar, Stylo Design Studio, Sunray Permaculture, and The Red Bookshelf.

"This Farmers Market is a true example of the power of community collaboration brought to life! Not only will it bring access to local, fresh food, but it will also celebrate the vibrancy of the Capital Region community. By highlighting local musicians, artists, and vendors we're creating a platform that nourishes both the body and soul and showcases the true vitality of our community,” said Chris Del Vecchio, President and CEO of MVP Health Care. “By working together as a community, we can make a difference. We're excited to debut the first Market and grow it for years to come, together!"

"Today we celebrate the power of partnerships, and what can be accomplished when there is a common goal of strengthening the vibrancy of our community. As Albany's Central Social District, meaningful connections are developed and fostered in Downtown, and the Albany County Farmers Market is the latest way residents can connect with each other and a diverse range of farmers and makers to collectively celebrate the abundance of our region. Our thanks to both Albany County and MVP Health Care for collaborating with the BID on this incredible series, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the first Market this weekend," said Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens. 

To help our neighbors access fresh food at the market, Albany County, MVP Health Care, and the Downtown Albany BID have established the Farmers Market Dollars program. Individuals who are currently enrolled in SNAP will be eligible to receive a credit of $25 in the form of vouchers, which can be spent on SNAP-eligible products at participating vendors. To receive vouchers, individuals must show their SNAP/EBT benefits card and present a valid form of photo ID at the Downtown Albany BID’s welcome table when visiting the market. The program is limited to 100 disbursals per market, and vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Using Farmers Market Dollars will not impact users’ benefits for SNAP, or other food assistance programs. Full program guidelines can be found at albanycountyfarmersmarket.com

The full schedule of the Farmers Market Series is as follows (held rain or shine):

Sunday, July 16, 12pm to 4pm

Sunday, August 20, 12pm to 4pm

Sunday, September 17, 12pm to 4pm

Sunday, October 15, 12pm to 4pm

To find out more or to be a vendor, visit albanycountyfarmersmarket.com for application information.

Pic- left to right: Downtown Albany BID’s Georgette Steffens, County Comptroller Susan Rizzo, County Executive McCoy and MVP Health Care’s Ellen Sax.