Where can I find locally grown food in Jefferson County?

In our busy everyday lives, grocery shopping often becomes something on a “to-do” list. Many people have begun taking advantage of ordering groceries and household products online. With the click of a button, precious time is saved by having food chosen for us and ready to pick up or delivered to our doorstep. Online shopping is indeed a time saver. However, this time of year is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the experience of hand selecting locally grown food and other products at a farmers market near you. Farmers markets are a win-win situation – the consumer benefits from getting high quality food grown close to home, while also helping small businesses continue to grow and thrive. Farmers markets are more than worth the time and effort.

Where can farmers markets be found in the North Country? The answer to that question is pretty much everywhere, almost every day of the week. The outdoor market season kicks off in May and in many cases continues through October. This article provides a brief overview, but a detailed schedule can be found by visiting the following website: jcnylocalfoods.org/farmers-markets.

The longstanding Watertown Farm & Craft Market will begin on Wednesday, May 27th and run every week through October 7th. It’s held near the State Office building on Washington and Sterling Streets, with about 40 vendors in attendance. Watertown also has a Saturday market, which will begin this year on May 16th. It is held in the Mayor Butler Pavilion in the J.B. Wise Parking lot (between Public Square and the Riverwalk). 

For those looking to shop locally outside of Watertown, the Carthage Farmers Market begins on May 22nd, and runs every Friday through October 9th. It can be found on Riverside Drive. For those looking to visit or living in the 1000 Islands region, Clayton’s market begins on May 28th and takes place every Thursday through October 15th at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena. Cape Vincent’s market begins on June 9th and runs every Tuesday through September 29th.  The Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay will be hosting a farmers market every Friday and Saturday this summer beginning June 12th. Shoppers near Chaumont can take advantage of the market there beginning on June 12th as well. It’s held on the front lawn of the Lyme Community Center. 

Farmers Markets alone can keep shoppers stocked with delicious local food during the spring and summer months. Additionally, there are many programs available that can make paying for these foods little easier. Vendors that sell produce, meat, cheese and other approved products often accept SNAP benefits. Active-duty service members and veterans are eligible for Fresh Connect Checks, which are coupons that can be used at markets. These checks can be picked up at NYS Veterans Services offices and at some farmers markets. Income-eligible senior citizens can receive coupons for fresh local foods through the Office for the Aging. Those who participate in WIC can also access coupons through their local agency. Anyone looking for more information about these valuable programs can contact the offices mentioned above. Additionally, the Watertown Farm and Craft Market will have representatives from these offices available every week. 

As another North Country growing season begins, farmers markets offer more than fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and handmade products. They provide a chance to support neighbors, strengthen local businesses and reconnect with the communities we call home. In a world that often moves too fast, spending a morning at a farmers market may be one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to slow down and shop local.