LI Farmers' Market Embraces Program To Help Vets, Low-Income Families

LINDENHURST, NY — The Lindenhurst Farmers' Market made its debut at Lindenhurst's village gazebo last May, making Saturday appearances through summer until fall.

Nearly a year later, the Village of Lindenhurst has announced its plans to offer the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, which provides $3.2 million statewide to help eligible participants purchase healthy, fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

According to village officials, the move aims to "help ensure that our veterans, active service members, their families, and low-income seniors can access the benefits they deserve."

Through the program, veterans and SNAP recipients can double their purchasing power, receiving $2 in FreshConnect Checks for every $2 in SNAP benefits spent and up to $50 per day.

On Friday, May 2, at 10 a.m., the village will hold a press conference to promote the program at the village gazebo at 116 North Wellwood Ave.

Officials said the Lindenhurst Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, May 10, and will be one of the "few locations in the area" where veterans can directly utilize the FMNP benefit to purchase healthy, local foods.

Multiple elected officials are expected to attend, including Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata, Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency Director Marcelle Leis, Lindenhurst's Deputy Mayor RJ Renna and Kevin J. McCaffrey, Presiding Officer Suffolk County Legislature.

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program isn't the market's first foray into helping its community.

Before the market opened last year, Darlene Perez Fantel—who spearheaded the market—told Patch she implemented the USDA's Senior Farmers Market Program, which makes it possible for WIC recipients to use their coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

In addition, the market also embraces New York's Farmers' Market Designation Program, which allows local wineries, craft breweries and distilleries to sell labeled wine, beer, cider and spirits by the bottle at the market.

The Lindenhurst Farmers' Market takes place on Saturdays through the summer at 116 N. Wellwood Avenue.