Greenmarket

Market ‘winters’ at Proctors

The weekly event has drawn national recognition for its diversity, success

Schenectady Greenmarket has provided a year-round producer-only farmers’ market in the heart of downtown — at Proctors November through April, and outdoors, near city hall, from May through October — since 2008. The customer base reflects the diverse makeup of the city and the market has created a space open to all.

The market features over 70 vendors, who produce everything they sell: including vegetables, herbs, fruits, nuts, dairy, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, baked goods, confectionery, prepared foods, wine, beer, honey, syrup, crafts and gifts.

All are local business owners from NYS and surrounding areas. In 2015, vendors had an estimated $250,000 in sales. Over the lifetime of the market, it’s estimated that vendors have brought in more than $1.75 million in sales.

Schenectady Greenmarket welcomes roughly 130,000 customers every year. It is estimated that the household impact of the market is close to 400,000 individuals.

The market is dedicated to serving all segments of Schenectady’s population. EBT/SNAP sales have increased by more than 51% since 2011. In 2015, the market provided over $17,000 in EBT sales to more than 800 individuals. Schenectady Greenmarket works closely with a number of local businesses and organizations. Those neighbors help the market succeed, and the foot traffic drawn every Sunday in turn helps the neighbors. Since 2014, the market has donated unsold products to the City Mission of Schenectady during the height of the growing season. This “best practices” model has provided over 8,000 pounds of fresh food to CityMission — roughly 6,700 meals.

The market’s hard work and success has been rewarded by placement on several local and national “best of” lists. In 2015, the market was named the 13th most popular farmers market in the country by an American Farmland Trust poll, and was in the Top 101 markets on DailyMeal.Com.