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July 10, 2024The Albany County Farmers Market Returns to Downtown
The Albany County Farmers Market kicked off in downtown Albany on Sunday, July 14 and will continue every Sunday through September 29. Located outside MVP Arena at 51 South Pearl Street, this year’s market takes place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and features fresh food, artisan goods, live music, and fun for the whole family.
The farmers market is presented by the Downtown Albany BID, in partnership with Albany County and MVP Health Care, and marks the second year of this vibrant, community event. Last year’s market included four dates and operated inside and outside the Arena. Due to the market’s success, it has expanded to a multi-month series taking place on S Pearl Street and featuring more seasonal and rotating vendors, including local farms, bakeries, coffee shops, soap and candle makers, community resources, activities for kids and families, and so much more.
“Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, and with the help of our partners at the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District and MVP Health Care, the Farmers Market has grown into a weekly event this year,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy “This will provide even more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy locally-sourced produce and other products while supporting local business.”
The Farmers Market series is supported by the MVP Arena Community Partnership, 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.
“At MVP Health Care, we know that healthy food is good medicine, which is why the Farmers Market is vital to improving the overall health and well-being of our community,” said MVP Health Care’s President and CEO, Chris Del Vecchio. “When we launched the Farmers Market last year in partnership with Albany County and the Downtown Albany BID, we did so to further invest in our mutual commitment to building healthy communities. We are proud to offer an expanded Farmers Market this year to provide access to non-traditional health and well-being options while also supporting local businesses, artists, and entertainers.”
To make the Farmers Market more accessible to all community members, it accepts foods sold by participating vendors. More information on how this process works is available on the Albany County Farmers Market website.
“Making the Albany County Farmers Market accessible to all members of the community is priority number one for us and our partners at Albany County and MVP Healthcare. By accepting SNAP and FreshConnect Checks as forms of payment, we continue our efforts to reduce financial burdens preventing our neighbors from accessing fresh produce and high-quality food from local growers. We are thankful to our vendors for their cooperation in this process, and I look forward to our most vibrant and dynamic Farmers Market season yet in the core of Albany,” Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID, Georgette Steffens, said.
For the full list of seasonal vendors and updates about the Albany County Farmers Market, visit albanycountyfarmersmarket.com.
