Rockland Library Hosts Farm Stand: 'Feed Your Body And Your Mind'

SPRING VALLEY, NY — Visitors to the Finkelstein Memorial Library can now feed both their minds and bodies. The J&D Farm Stand will be at the library every Tuesday through October.

The farm stand, from the “Black Dirt” region of Orange County, grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, packed with nutrients, and picked at the peak of flavor. Other local items including eggs, honey and herbs are available as well.

The library also staffs a table at the market filled with giveaways, free recipe books, and reusable grocery bags (while supplies last).

"The Finkelstein Memorial Library is happy to be able to provide space for the J&D farm stand. We see it as mutually beneficial — a way to get local produce into the hands of our patrons and help in improving the health of our community," said Library Director Laura Wolven.

The whole program gets a big thumbs-up from the Rockland County Department of Health.

"Once you check out these nutritious items, we encourage a weekly return," said Michelle Kleinman, Public Health Education Specialist.

Libraries provide so many more benefits than just promotion of a love of reading — they support a strong local economy, sponsor community events, host programs that support youth, the elderly and everyone in-between.

This is your chance to use the library’s many services as well as support a sustainable farm and access affordable produce at the same time. "Feed your body and your mind!" library officials said in a news release.

Library patrons and farm stand clients share information and fellowship and find a place to truly feel connected to their local communities and all that these places have to offer, they said.

• DATES: Every Tuesday through Oct. 31
• TIME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• LOCATION: outside the Finkelstein Memorial Library Main Entrance

The FCC and FMNP (New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program) are accepted. Do not forget to use your FMNP checks by Nov. 30, library officials said.

For information on WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks, call: (845) 364-2577. For information about Senior Coupons, call: (845) 364-2110.

For more information about Rockland County Farmers Markets click here.

For information about the farm stand and updates on the schedule, click here or call: (845) 352-5700 ext. 244.

To get to the library by bus, use TOR Bus No. 59. The bus is currently free of charge for all riders! For bus schedules and other information, click here.