Ithaca Farmers Market reopens for its 51st season

The Ithaca Farmers Market has been a fixture in the area since it’s first season in 1973. Primarily operating out of Ithaca’s Steamboat Landing throughout the summer and into fall, the cooperative effort has become a central hub for both the local community and tourists. Not only is it an financial fixture for Ithaca — tourism creates jobs, adds to tax revenue and the local economy as as whole — but it also works to support local agriculture, consumer-producer relationships, and cultivate small businesses.

According to the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, “35% of Ithaca Farmers Market farmers would not 35% of Ithaca Farmers Market farmers would not exist if not for IFM, while 25% say their farms would be significantly smaller without the Ithaca Farmers Market”.

First market of 2024

Transitioning out of the small-but-mighty Winter Market held at Triphammer Marketplace, the first market of this season kicked off Saturday, April 6. This marks the 51st year of its operation. The market will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. only for the month of April, before expanding it’s hours to include Sundays from from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The opening day emphasized a family-friendly atmosphere, featuring stories and crafts along with children’s music from Freeville, New York’s Mister Bobcat. Many staple vendors at the market, like Solaz and On the Street Pita, were ready to serve prepared foods under the blue skies. All vendors currently operating can be found here.

Benefits of farmers markets

The USDA highlights farmers markets as “economic and community centerpieces in cities and towns across the US”. Farmers markets not only serve as a point of connection between different demographics an an area, but also encourages stronger food systems and helps fight against food insecurity.

A strong, local food system means that the production, processing, distribution and sale of food all happens within the same area, keeping money and jobs within the local economy. Farmers markets also promote a nutritious, fresh, varied diet, which is a key component of fighting food insecurity.

Especially as we see grocery store prices rise with inflation, buying food from farmers markets can be a great alternative, giving a better product for competitive prices. Many farmers markets, including the Ithaca Farmers Market, accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).