Despite the growing number of Farmers’ Markets in Chautauqua County, many who answered our weekly online poll are not utilizing them. Established locations in Fredonia and Westfield bring the main streets of the villages to life weekly.

This year, Westfield celebrates its 20th year. Market vendors typically have the option to remain outside through the month of October, weather permitting.

Even the newer locations, which include Forestville, have made a difference in the community — and are reaching new customers. According to Linnea Haskin, Nutrition Resource Educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, as of July 2024, 36% of Chautauqua County residents do not have access to fruits or vegetables due to lack of grocery stores in smaller communities and inadequate means of transportation. The presence of farmers’ markets and local food pantries help to address those issues.

In the meantime, poll results were a bit disappointing. Regarding the question, “Do you regularly attend Farmers’ Markets in our area?” about 31% said “yes” with 69% tallying “no.”

This week’s poll question: Have you been fishing this year on Lake Erie?