Brenda
Rochester native and resident, Brenda Kremens, age 27, states that it is the community aspect of the market, as well as the availability of fresh produce that keeps her coming back for more. “When you purchase food at the market, you are going straight to the source and helping out small business…It’s nice to be able to talk to the farmer who actually grew the food you’re buying and talk to them. It’s fun.”
Helping small business by purchasing produce is not the only thing Kremens does to help the market thrive. She also volunteers with the market token program in the main office every Saturday year round. “The market has the greatest food stamp sales of any market in the country, which brings a lot of diverse people to the market.”
Helping small business by purchasing produce is not the only thing Kremens does to help the market thrive. She also volunteers with the market token program in the main office every Saturday year round. “The market has the greatest food stamp sales of any market in the country, which brings a lot of diverse people to the market.”
Emma
The Rochester Public Market, located on North Union Street, has served the community for over 108 years. However, its existence dates back to 1827, making it the longest operating farmer’s market in the nation. As a result, patrons of different ages, races and ethnicities come from all over to bargain, shop, and experience what the market has to offer.
California resident and Rochester native, Emma Madden, age 27, has been coming to the market since she was about 5 years old. “The market has good energy,” says Madden. “There are happy people out shopping and interacting with each other in a non-formal aspect.”
Although she only comes back to visit her family every so often, she makes it a priority to come to the market since she believes it is one of the best around. “I’ve been to the markets all across the country, and I think the Rochester Public is as good as it gets.”
Madden’s sister-in-law, Chelsea Madden, age 29, had her first experience at the market earlier this April. “I’ve never been to a farmer’s market before but, I really like the idea of purchasing food that doesn’t contain any pesticides,” explains Madden. “You know you are buying something that is really fresh, healthy and organic.”
Her first time at the Rochester public market was so influential she intends to find a market back home in the Bronx. “It gives me more inspiration to eat healthier, especially since I’m eating for two now,” says the expecting mother.
California resident and Rochester native, Emma Madden, age 27, has been coming to the market since she was about 5 years old. “The market has good energy,” says Madden. “There are happy people out shopping and interacting with each other in a non-formal aspect.”
Although she only comes back to visit her family every so often, she makes it a priority to come to the market since she believes it is one of the best around. “I’ve been to the markets all across the country, and I think the Rochester Public is as good as it gets.”
Madden’s sister-in-law, Chelsea Madden, age 29, had her first experience at the market earlier this April. “I’ve never been to a farmer’s market before but, I really like the idea of purchasing food that doesn’t contain any pesticides,” explains Madden. “You know you are buying something that is really fresh, healthy and organic.”
Her first time at the Rochester public market was so influential she intends to find a market back home in the Bronx. “It gives me more inspiration to eat healthier, especially since I’m eating for two now,” says the expecting mother.
Gaoping
Gaoping immigrated to the Rochester area from his native Indonesia eight years ago in 2005 to find work and has since discovered the Rochester Public Market. He says that he makes weekly visits and mostly purchases produce for his family. When asked what he likes about the food choices at the market, Gaoping could not hold in his excitement saying that “it’s so fresh and cheap!” Rain or shine, if it’s a Saturday in Rochester, one can be sure to find Gaoping exploring the various produce options that the Rochester Public Market has to offer.
Gina and Drake
Gina and Drake live in Brighton and came to the Rochester Public Market to take in the exciting atmosphere that the market has to offer. Gina says that she usually comes about once a year not necessarily looking to buy anything, but more to spend time taking in the sights and sounds of a great mixture of cultures at the market. This happened to be young Drake’s first trip to the market and he had a wonderful time being pulled in his wagon by Gina. When asked what his favorite part about being out at the market, Drake enthusiastically replied “I’ve never seen so many people before!” Drake and Gina show that the Rochester Public Market is not only a place to purchase a wide variety of local goods, but it is also a great place to take a family outing to explore.