To the Editor:

When we moved to Altamont over 15 years ago, we dedicated ourselves to forming deep roots in our new community. This meant shopping local and eating food that was grown as close to home as possible. One of the ways we do that is to start each week at the Schenectady Greenmarket, where we purchase just-harvested organic food from farmers we trust.

Schenectady, as you know, is a city that has been working hard to reverse years of decline. The not-for-profit Schenectady Greenmarket has brought new energy to downtown and is always looking for ways to support food-insecure families in their community.

They do this through a low-cost food-box program, which gives approximately 30 boxes of summer produce for just $10 per share every week; accepts SNAP/EBT [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefits Transfer] payments at market stalls; and gives “Double Up Food Bucks” to qualifying shoppers. 

In 2024, the market received a $250,000 three-year federal Farmers Market Promotion (FMPP) grant to expand these programs, increase market vendor diversity, and create a welcoming and inclusive market space. 

On Jan. 28, 2025, the grant was frozen and the market no longer has access to the funds. 

In March, the United States Department of Agriculture restored $10 billion of assistance to the largest U.S. corn, cotton, and soybean producers. Our local farmers who work all week and get up at 5 a.m. to schlep their produce to local markets in all kinds of weather got — nothing. 

Rather than accept the status quo, the folks at Schenectady Greenmarket are turning to their community for ideas and donations. They are hosting a Community Conversation at Arthur's Market at 35 North Ferry Street in Schenectady on Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Your $45 donation will go to support their food access programs: bit.ly/4do50sz. Can’t attend but want to know more about various market programs? Visit https://www.schenectadygreenmarket.com/donate.

In the meantime, 100 percent of the proceeds of my artwork during the month of June will be donated to Schenectady Greenmarket’s food access programs. For example, one $30 print will pay the cost of one farm share (or box of produce) per family. To learn more, go to farmsharestudio.com.

Remember, whether you shop at a producer-only market because you want the freshest local produce or because you want to enjoy the energy and gossip with the person who grew your organic food, you’re part of a resilient community that connects us with our past and helps create a healthy future. Let’s make sure this future is accessible to all.

Laura Shore

Altamont