Neuhaus Celebrates National Farmers Market Week in Orange County

From the Office of the County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus:

County honoring veterans during initiative, which spotlights 15 local farmers markets

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus is proud to recognize National Farmers Market Week, which runs through Saturday, August 13.

Orange County is honoring its Veterans during this year’s National Farmers Market Week. The state’s Veterans Fresh Connect coupon program will offer 10 Fresh Connect Checks valued at $2 each ($20 total) to Veterans, service members and their immediate family members. Vouchers can be picked up on August 9 at the Healthy Orange Farmers Market in Newburgh and at the Goshen Farmers Market on August 12. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons are being distributed at the Middletown Farmers Market from 10 a.m. until noon on August 13. More dates will be added as the season progresses.

“Buying local products from any of our great community markets is a wonderful way to support our local agricultural industry,” Neuhaus said. “I’m proud that Orange County is using National Farmers Market Week to recognize veterans and help them with the Fresh Connect vouchers. It is a great way to thank veterans for everything they have done.”

This year marks the 17th Annual National Farmers Market Week, which recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in the agricultural and food economy. There are 15 farmers markets in Orange County, which are open every day of the week except Monday. Agriculture is an important part of Orange County’s economy and environmental diversity. Approximately 16 percent of the county’s land is made up of farms and over 10,000 acres are in vegetable production, which is the third-largest in the state.

“Orange County is certainly lucky to have so many farmers markets,” Orange County Planning Commissioner David Church said. “It’s a great way to eat healthy and ensures a sustainable Orange County.”

To contact the Orange County’s Veterans Affairs office, call 291-2464. For a full listing of farmers markets in Orange County, log onto orangetourism.org, or contact the County’s Department of Planning at 615-3840.

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