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The future is bright for local foods in Herkimer County! The 2024 rollout of the mobile market Veggie Van program has proven to be a successful model, helping to expand access to area residents who were otherwise unable to travel to a farmers’ market. With increased opportunities for local agricultural produce to reach area residents, we are seeing a positive shift toward a healthier and more sustainable community.
Herkimer County was recently identified as being the most food insecure county in New York State outside of the five boroughs of New York City. County leaders immediately mobilized to further investigate this situation. Food access and food security are fundamental parts of a healthy community. Food access refers to the availability and affordability of nutritious food for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Food security goes a step further, encompassing the consistent availability of safe, sufficient, and nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. Both concepts are crucial in promoting health equity, and building resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
Designed as a food access intervention, the Veggie Van program is a mobile farmers’ market that brings fresh, locally grown produce to areas with limited access to farmers’ markets. The target areas for Veggie Van locations focus on reaching underserved neighborhoods with regularly scheduled stops to ensure consistency and reliability. To focus on reducing barriers to accessing fresh produce, the Veggie Van was designed to accept various forms of payment, including:
The Veggie Van program is a key strategy in making fresh, nutritious food more accessible to everyone. Other initiatives supporting local resilient food systems may include Farm to School programs, local farmers’ markets, food pantries that source local produce, farm-to-table restaurants, healthy corner store initiatives, and Double-up Food Bucks.
Take Action: Make farmers’ markets a part of your shopping routine.
Get to know your farmers. They’re amazing folks that are working to preserve the agricultural heritage of our area. Money spent on local farms stays within the community, fostering economic growth and creating jobs. Additionally, local food economies typically involve fewer food miles. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage, while preserving important nutrients that may be lost during long shipping times. See a list of 2024 farmers’ markets here.
Together, we can all play a role in building a strong, resilient food system. See you at the market!
Cameron Burke is part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County team. She’s an advocate for nutrition security and sustainable food systems, believing in the power of human connections, education, and grit to build resilient food systems. Cameron has committed herself to fostering bonds between communities and their food, promoting local farmers, artisans, and producers for their invaluable contributions. Her passion for food and community drives positive change and meaningful connections in the local food movement.
Article published July 22, 2024.
The Herkimer Agricultural Council is coordinated by the staff of Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer. If you are interested in the work of the council or have a question about agriculture, local foods or starting an agricultural business, contact us today!
This website is a project of the Herkimer Agricultural Council which is dedicated to promoting the farm economy in Herkimer County,
managed by Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County. Additional support from the Community Foundation of
Herkimer and Oneida Counties and the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency made this website possible.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County
Cultivate Herkimer is a resource for all of Herkimer County New York, including: Cold Brook, Dolgeville, Fairfield, Frankfort, Herkimer, Ilion, Litchfield, Little Falls, Middleville, Mohawk, Newport, Old Forge, Poland, Salisbury, and West Winfield.