Troy Farmers Market Closed for Next Two Saturdays

For Immediate Release
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Troy Farmers Market Closed for Next Two Saturdays

TROY, N.Y. (03/12/20) — Earlier today, at the direction of Rensselaer County Public Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas, leaders of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market cancelled the market for the next two Saturdays (March 14 and 21).

The decision is in line with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s announcement this afternoon that gatherings of more than 500 people will not be permitted in New York state.

“In abundance of caution and care for our community members, some of whom may be in high risk groups, we decided this morning to cancel our market for the next two Saturdays as leaders in the state seek to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Zack Metzger, president of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market.

Although at the time of this news release Rensselaer County has yet to identify any cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is a regional attraction drawing customers and vendors from across the Capital Region and beyond, including areas that are already experiencing the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak.

The goal of the two-week closure is to slow down local transmission of the virus as officials monitor the situation and determine how to best move forward.

“Temporary closure of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market during the month of March is an unfortunate, but necessary decision to protect the health of market customers, vendors and residents,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “We remain in close communication with market staff and local health officials on efforts to reduce potential spread of coronavirus to Troy and Rensselaer County.”

Leaders of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market stressed that the weekly, year-round market in Troy and the customers it draws are essential to the livelihood of local farmers, producers and vendors. Many downtown stores and restaurants also benefit greatly from the customers the market attracts to Troy on Saturdays.

“Our farmers market plays an important role in the local food network that is vital to food access in our region,” Metzger said. “We hope this two week closure will only be temporary. We will remain in regular communication with the county department of health.”

In the meantime, the market is looking at alternative delivery mechanisms to provide customers access to fresh local food.