Clinic to host farmers market

The Watertown community doesn't have to wait until summer for a farmers market because the North Country Children's Clinic will host an indoor market beginning today.

From noon to 3 p.m. on the second Monday of each month through June, the Children's Clinic will invite selected vendors to offer their farm-fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, beef, homemade breads and other items. The market will take place in the Women, Infants and Children waiting area.

"We had a farmers market last summer here, and many of these vendors are the same," said Elaine P. Garvey, agency spokeswoman. "Some came to us and said they're looking for an outlet, and said, 'Would you be interested in having us in the winter?' and I think that's great."

The Children's Clinic, 238 Arsenal St., hosted a Mobile Farmers Market last summer.

One benefit of the indoor market, Mrs. Garvey said, is that select vendors accept WIC fruit and vegetable checks and food stamps.

"This just makes it easier for people to access local food," Mrs. Garvey said. "The food may be fresher and prices lower."

The program is open to all, not just people who want to use their benefit checks.

Delta A. Keeney, co-owner of Windswept Meadows Farms, Burrville, said she's happy to be a part of the indoor market because it'll help build relationships between her and her customers.

"Once you meet your customers, and they get to know you, it'd be nice if they could follow you, and not lose those people in between the seasons," she said. "To me, it's just very important people do know where their food comes from. It can be much more personalized and special."

Come May and June, fresh greens such as lettuce and spinach will be available before other farmers markets in the area begin in late spring or early summer. Mrs. Keeney said the indoor market will carry on until the start of the Monday Neighborhood Farmers Market that takes place from July to October in the parking lot at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton St.

Depending on how well the indoor market does, Mrs. Keeney said, she and other vendors might have to save more crops for it next year.

Rosalind L. Cook, a resource educator with Cooperative Extension, said she hopes the indoor market is as successful as the Monday market.

"Instead of (the people) coming to us, it's us going to them," she said. "It's saying, 'Don't forget to come back in five months.'"