Local residents can once again enjoy seasonal fresh, locally grown produce from “Down to Earth” Gardens Co-Op as the farmers market returns Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the former lobby at Carthage Area Hospital, 1001 West St.
As part of its farm-to-table initiative launched in 2016, the hospital established a weekly farmers market to accommodate its employees and the community at large who were unable to attend the Carthage Famer’s Market on Fridays at the Carthage Pavilion.
“Hospital Dietary Director Richard Fields approached me with this idea in 2015 and he worked diligently with his team for more than a year before it was thoughtfully introduced last June,” Carthage Area Hospital CEO Rich Duvall said. “This fresh market program aligns with the population health initiative the Department of Health has instituted. It’s a great alternative for our patients and our communities while also supporting local farmers at the same time.”
“Down to Earth” Garden Co-op is comprised of several regional Amish families. This collaboration allows them to meet the hospital’s demand. Their goal was to “help keep the small family farms stay alive.”
The variety of foods available varies depending on what’s in season at the moment to include lettuce, kale, spinach, strawberries, and more. Free valet parking is available at the hospital. Patrons should bring their own bag for their produce and cash as the market does not accept other forms of payment.
About Carthage Area Hospital
Carthage Area Hospital was established as a not-for-profit rural community hospital in 1965. It operates today as a fully accredited 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, serving approximately 83,000 residents in Jefferson, northern Lewis and southern St. Lawrence counties.
The hospital also operates a network of community-based clinics, including its Family Health Center, Pediatric Clinic and Women’s Way to Wellness and provides a range of specialty care, including general surgery, orthopedics, urology, physical therapy and behavioral health.