As part of her Buy Local-Shop Local Initiative, Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C,I-Greenwood Lake) hosted a roundtable discussion with local farmers’ markets and chambers of commerce today at the Warwick Village Hall.
“Farmers’ markets are one of the biggest ways to Buy Local-Shop Local. Not only do they provide residents with a healthy food source, but they help protect our family farmers, bakeries, and area food producers of honey, eggs, meats and even wines,” said the assemblywoman, who is an avid farmers’ market patron herself.
Assemblywoman Rabbitt’s Buy Local-Shop Local initiative is not just about motivating the community to support local “mom and pop” establishments – it is about investing in the community and ensuring the quality of life and character of our villages is preserved. Roughly 50 percent of every dollar spent at a local establishment stay within the community as compared to big box chains who only contribute ten percent back.
Local businesses, shops, restaurants and farms mean local jobs, help ensure roadways and bridges are repaired faster and kept in better condition, and improve the safety and character of “downtown” or Main Street areas as well as the rural landscape.
Furthermore, local businesses rely on other local businesses, such as attorneys, accountants, designers, advertising in local media, and transportation services which further improve the community and the economy.
Assemblywoman Rabbitt invites the public to join her in the Buy Local-Shop Local Initiative by shopping at their local farmers’ markets this season. A complete list of farmers’ markets can be found by visiting the New York Farmers Market website (a list of markets within the 97th Assembly District follows).
Florida Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays 11:30-5:30 June 14 – October 25
At Rte 17A and Rte 94 Junction
opposite Quick Chek)
845-641-4482
Goshen Farmers’ Market
Fridays 10-5 May 20 – October 28
Village Square
845-294-7741
www.goshennychamber.com
Tuxedo Farmers’ Market
Saturdays 9-2 June 18 – October 29
Rte 17, Tuxedo Train Station
845-915-4058
www.tuxedofarmersmarket.com
Middletown Farmers’ Market
Saturdays 8-1 June 11 – October 22
On Erie Way from Grove St to Cottage St
845-343-8075
Monroe Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays 9-3 June 22 – October 26
1010 Rte 17M, Museum Village
845-344-1234
Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market
Sundays 9-2pm May 15 – Nov 20
South Street Parking Lot
845-987-9990
warwickvalleyfarmersmarket.org
For more information about Pride of NY products, including wines, honey and other food products, please visit www.prideofnewyork.com. Additionally, information about local shops, services and restaurants can be found by contacting your local chamber of commerce or by contacting Assemblywoman Rabbitt’s office in Goshen by calling 845-291-3631.
Additionally, Assemblywoman Rabbitt encourages local farmers and producers to share their thoughts, ideas, and information about their products with her by e-mailing her at rabbitta@assembly.state.ny.us. Residents also are encouraged to join the online conversation and share their favorite recipes, establishments and ideas for further encouraging Buy Local-Shop Local in Orange and Rockland counties.
She said, “The Buy Local-Shop Local Initiative is an ongoing project that is bringing together our community. Any ideas or suggestions on how we can improve promotion of our local businesses, support our local shops, services and food producers, or get the community involved are always welcome and appreciated. I hope residents will continue to Buy Local-Shop Local, especially at their farmers’ markets, and share their ideas with me.”