Down on the farm … in Elmont

Posted Friday, June 10, 2011 11:26 am

Hicksville residents eyed vegetables during one of last year's Kennedy Plaza Farmer's Markets in Hicksville, created in part by Friends & Farmers Inc. The upcoming Elmont Farmer’s Market will follow a similar format.

Courtesy Bernadette Martin

By Jackie Nash

Elmont is about to get a little more country.

For the first time in history, an organized farmer’s market will be held in the community, beginning Thursday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Alva T. Stanforth Sports Complex — the lawn area just west of the Elmont Memorial Library, at 700 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont.

The Elmont Farmer’s Market, created through a collaboration by the Elmont Chamber of Commerce and Friends & Farmers Inc., will be held every Thursday during the summer, with the last event being hosted on August 25.

“The farmer's market is a good step to showing Elmont, the surrounding communities and local government all of the un-tapped potential that exists along Hempstead Turnpike,” said Muzzio Tallini, a member of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, and a key player in the market’s creation. “(The farmer’s market) represents the empowerment of the Elmont community to bring positive change to the Hempstead Turnpike corridor.” Chris Rosado, the Elmont Chamber of Commerce’s president, said he believes the market will be a tremendous asset and resource for local residents, as well as individuals from surrounding communities.

Regional producers will be offering vegetables, herbs, fruits, plants, baked goods, grass-fed beef, eggs, cheeses, mushrooms and a variety of fish caught from Long Island waters.

“We are confident the community will enjoy shopping the Farmer’s Market, while helping to support New York’s regional growers,” said Bernadette Martin, director Friends & Farmers Inc.

The market will be accepting EBT/SNAP benefits, Debit/Master/Visa, WIC and Senior Checks from the New York State Farmer’s Market Nutrition Programs. For more information, and/or information about promoting your local restaurant at the upcoming farmer’s market, contact Martin, at (631) 678-5227. Updated market information can also be found at www.ligreenmarket.org.