Vassar College hosts Indoor Farmer’s Market

Once the off season hits, local markets close down for hibernation; however, Vassar College found a way to keep their outdoor market running during those cold winter months. The Arlington Market, held on the intersection of Raymond and Fulton Avenues, is an indoor farmer’s market held through the months of June to October. Market Manager and student employee, James Falino, along with Sustainability Coordinator at Vassar College, Alistair Hall, are in charge of making sure the indoor market runs smoothly.

This is the fourth year that Vassar has been holding the indoor farmer’s market inside their College Center on the Main Building. Every Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, throughout November to May, local vendors come set up tables and display their products. Because parking has become a challenge, the market is mainly populated by students and employees of the college. However, despite it’s small size, this farmer’s market is also open to the public — something not many people know about. As Hall explained, the inspiration behind taking this project indoors, so that it became an all-year farmer’s market, was to support local businesses and the food economy. “It’s also giving [students] a fun variety from college dining,” he mentioned, as many students frequent the market to buy their local organic groceries.

Local vendors have been coming for years to participate, so when they offered up the idea to hold the market inside during the winter months, many were more than willing. With very little turnover of vendors, Vassar likes to get a variety of local businesses to keep the market fresh every season. This season you can find Earth to Table, Meredith’s Bread, Noshi’s Coney Island — Gourmet Hotdogs & Burgers, Do Re Me Farms’ organic products, as well as a local Woodstock artisanal jewelry vendor.

Each local business brings in their products, and as Noshi’s vendor states “[this farmer’s market] is a nice gesture for the community.” Noshi’s Coney Island is a gourmet hot dog, burger, and sandwich shop located on Main Street in Poughkeepsie. Offering a selection of vegetarian and vegan hot dogs and soups, you can find a small cart at the Vassar indoor market.

While Do Re Me Farms brings organic fruits and vegetables to this indoor farmer’s market it also provides students with a healthy alternative. Located in New Hampton, New York, this farm brings in fresh organic produce every Thursday morning.

Meredith’s Bread is another local vendor, located in Kingston, New York. This family owned bakery produces all natural goods, including gluten-free, wheat-free, and sugar-free, products. Baked at the location on Kingston and later brought to Vassar College, the public can be sure to get these fresh home baked goods every Thursday this season.

Helping the community and local vendors, Vassar’s indoor farmer’s market is open to everyone. Local residents can stop by every Thursday until the first few days of May.