Albany County Farmers Market starts July 16
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today was joined by MVP Health Care President & CEO Chris Del Vecchio and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District Executive Director Georgette Steffens to announce a new Farmers Market coming to Downtown Albany. The Farmers Market series will take place on four Sundays throughout the summer and fall starting on July 16, and it will take place on South Pearl Street in front of the MVP Arena.
“I couldn’t be more excited to announce this Farmers Market series, which will bring more fresh produce and healthy food options to an area that for too long has been considered a food desert. We will also showcase some of the other amazing businesses, nonprofits, artists and more that exist here so that this entire community can grow and thrive,” said County Executive McCoy. “Together with MVP Health Care and through the Innovation Fund, I look forward to even more initiatives like this that help to transform Albany County for the better.”
The Farmers Market series is the first major project supported by the Innovation Fund, a partnership between Albany County and MVP Health Care. The purpose of the fund is to improve the overall health and vitality of the surrounding community. The fund also promotes the MVP Arena as a marquee asset to the community by supporting healthier, inclusive, and expanded opportunities.
The Innovation Fund was first announced when County Executive McCoy awarded the naming rights of the county-owned arena to MVP Health Care in November of 2021. Included within the naming rights contract is an annual $1.4 million over five years for the Innovation Fund and community projects.
“At MVP Health Care, we know that healthy food is good medicine, which is why the Farmers Market is so vital to improving the overall health and well-being of our community,” said MVP Health Care’s President and CEO, Chris Del Vecchio. “When MVP partnered with Albany County, we did so to further invest in the strength of the Capital Region and build upon our mutual commitment to building healthy communities. We are proud to partner with the County and the Downtown Albany BID to offer residents a first-of-its-kind experience at the Farmers Market which will continue our advancement of bringing innovative and non-traditional health and well-being options to the region.”
“As the region’s Central Social District with a rising residential population, it is critical that we continue to introduce events like the new Albany County Farmers Market in downtown Albany. The Market will provide a connection between our community and local farmers, while offering guests an exciting and enriching experience that includes live entertainment, and fun, educational activities. We are thrilled to be a partner on this project, and I would like to thank Albany County, MVP Health Care, and the Innovation Fund for their commitment to strengthening the overall well-being and vibrancy of our community,” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID.
The full schedule of the Farmers Market Series is as follows:
- Sunday, July 16, 12pm to 4pm
- Sunday, August 20, 12pm to 4pm
- Sunday, September 17, 12pm to 4pm
- Sunday, October 15, 12pm to 4pm
Vendors interested in participating in the Farmers Market series can visit albanycountyfarmersmarket.com to apply and learn more.
