Menands Farmers Market seeking vendors to continue legacy
MENANDS, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A group of local farmers is seeking vendors for a new kind of market in Menands with a storied history behind it.
“I’m from a long line of farmers that goes back five generations,” Tim Stanton, owner of Stanton’s Feura Farm, said.
Stanton is the president of the Capital District Cooperative, a collective of local farmers that provides a “central location” for the agricultural industry’s growth.
“The Menands farmer’s market started back in 1933 when a bunch of farmers got frustrated with the Albany market, which was very hard to get to, very corrupt,” Stanton said.
The group pooled their money together and purchased a plot of farmland near the Troy-Menands Bridge.
Today, the Capital District Cooperative is around 100 members strong. The property has expanded over the years and now boasts 22 acres and 11 warehouse buildings for distributors.
Stanton’s grandfather, Fred Lemka, was one of the founding members. For him and many other current members, keeping the market alive is a point of family pride.
North Country drone pilot saves missing dogs with new rescue service
“This co-op is actually different than many in the entire country,” Stanton said “Many of them were started by farmers, but we are one of the only ones left that is still owned by farmers.”
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, the cooperative hosts a wholesale market where stores, restaurants, and other business owners can buy fresh products from farmers in bulk.
“You know being a farmer is tough, and it’s very time-consuming,” Rena Peter, Manager of the Menands Farmers Market and Owner of Peter’s Produce and Eggs, said. “And for these farmers to put their time into keeping this up and running for so many years, it’s absolutely amazing.”
This year, the co-op is excited to announce a new venture: a retail market for the public in a new open-air building that can hold up to 100 vendors.
Schenectady cafe owner pens new book with Whitney Houston twist
“It’s taken us about four years to get this built. COVID got in the way, but it’s finally done,” Stanton said. “It’s really the next step for the market.”
Stanton explained that the wholesale produce distribution industry has changed over the years and is primarily direct to the stores at this time.
The retail leg of the Menands Farmers Market will open on May 4 at 381 Broadway in Menands. The market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 26.
“We have to keep supporting these people so they can keep providing us with the products that we need,” Peter said. “You’ve seen the bumps stickers. It says, ‘no farmers no food.’ It’s truly important.”
The co-op is currently seeking vendors of homemade products, homegrown items, and food trucks. The application is available at menandsfarmersmarket.com. The space promises paved free parking and easy access to electricity for vendors.
