County Creates Farmer's Market On County Seat Dr.

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that a new Farmer's Market will operate every Tuesday during the summer on county-owned property in Garden City.

The Nassau County Attorney's office and the County's Department of Senior Citizen Affairs worked with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Farmer's Market Federation of New York and the Long Island Grower's Market to create the Nassau County Farmer's Market. It will be operated by the Long Island Grower's Market in a section of the parking lot of 101 County Seat Drive every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to Garden City Village Administrator Bob Schoelle, the Village has given approval for the pilot project during this summer, and if it is successful the County will make a formal application to the Zoning Board of Appeals or other appropriate body for permission to continue the market next year. Mr. Schoelle commented that he drove by the parking field during opening day and found it to be orderly and free of litter.

"I am excited that Nassau County will be home to this wonderful Farmer's Market, giving our residents easy access to fresh local fruits, vegetables, jellies, juices and homemade baked foods," Suozzi said. "It gives shoppers a chance to buy the freshest food, which hasn't had to travel thousands of miles, and gives farmers a great place to sell their produce."

About a half a dozen fresh-food vendors are expected to take part in the weekly market. To encourage seniors to take advantage of this healthy option, the County's Department of Senior Citizen Affairs will distribute vouchers, provided through a State program, to qualifying seniors to help them make purchases at the market.