‘Down to Earth’ Gardens Co-Op to Offer Fresh Produce Wednesdays Beginning June 27
Local residents will have another option for fresh, locally grown produce as the “Down to Earth” Gardens Co-Op farmers market marks its return for the season on Wednesday June 27.
The market will operate from noon to 4 p.m. outside the main entrance of Carthage Area Hospital, 1001 West St., Carthage. Patrons should note the change in location this year.
The hospital established a weekly farmers market in 2016 to accommodate its employees and the community at large who couldn’t attend the Carthage Famers Market held each Friday at the Carthage Pavilion. The market is part of a broader farm-to-table initiative that also includes the use of local produce in the hospital cafeteria.
The fresh market program aligns with population health initiatives the state Department of Health has mandated. Hospital officials also point to the program’s added benefit of supporting local farmers. “Down to Earth” Garden Co-op is comprised of several regional Amish families. The multifamily collaboration allows them to meet the hospital’s demand.
The variety of foods available each week 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 formed a clinical affiliation with Crouse Health, Syracuse, in 2017.
The hospital also operates a network of community-based clinics, including its Philadelphia Medical Center, Family Health Center, Pediatric Clinic and Women’s Way to Wellness and provides a range of specialty care, including general surgery, orthopedics, podiatry, urology, neurosurgical care, physical and occupational therapy and behavioral health.