The Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market began as an extension of the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association (HVCPA), as a means to raise people’s awareness about making better food choices, give them access to local and handcrafted goods, and empower them to decide where their nutrition comes from. Now, as the market gains local visibility, the HVCPA is hoping to broaden its educational mission.

“Our long-term hope, after we grow the market into an area destination, is to implement education programming for area youth as well as the demographic we serve through our agency of people who experience disabilities,” says Storm Keefe, HVCPA’s marketing and community relations coordinator. “It is more important now than it has ever been to offer educational opportunities that support healthy eating, farming programs and employment opportunities within the community.” 

Currently the market includes 22 vendors and operates Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round. Its summer site is outside at the front of the Hudson Valley Community Service campus at 15 Mount Ebo Road South in Brewster, NY. The market features live music, cooking demonstrations and activities for the whole family. “Visitors can pick up coffee and a sweet treat, or bread and olives to enjoy on our plaza before checking out all the choices of fresh-picked, freshly prepared foods and unique handcrafted items from local artisans,” Keefe says. “There is a fully fenced and integrative playground on the premises for families to enjoy while they shop the market.”

For more info, visit HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org or call 845.629.2824.