Beth I.
"I want my farmers market to thrive because it has helped revitalize an historic neighborhood in the heart of our city. The Oneida County Public Market, in historic Bagg's Square, Utica, NY, has grown from 15 vendors in 2011 to over 50 in 2017. With generous support of the Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., the home of the Public Market, Union Station and the REA wing, is being refurbished and re-activated as a community activity hub. The Oneida County Public Market has become a trusted source of fresh, healthy local foods and has helped to establish vital connections between our local and regional agricultural partners and our consumers. Nutritional programs, including FMNP, SFMNP, the Power of Produce kids club, Fresh Connect and CNY Food Bank Health Bucks, help to engage the community beyond the simple purchasing of food products. The personal connections with those that grow the food facilitate nutrition education and even lead to the swapping of recipes!"