Our mission
The Chappaqua Farmers Market
Now in our 14th season we continue our original mission of bringing food that is locally grown, raised or produced to the community. We strive to raise awareness of the importance of eating and buying local for the sustainability of our planet. And we can't resist how good local food tastes!
At a time when trips to the grocery store are less frequent and supply chains are a bit more taxed due to the pandemic, we feel that is it more crucial than ever for shoppers to have easy access to fresh, local produce, fruit, meats, fish, baked goods and other farmers-market items – all in a safe, outdoor environment.
We are pleased that the market has become a regular destination for many in the area and we encourage any and all shoppers and visitors to join us every Saturday during our outdoor season. We have set certain protocols in place to ensure that it is a safe place for both shoppers and vendors, as well as for market employees and volunteers.
The Chappaqua Farmers Market is committed to food justice and equality; we build partnerships with farmers and vendors to create a community that is inclusive and diverse. We are working hard to increase diversity in the market – in the mix of our farmers and vendors to the people who shop for local food and goods. As we take an active anti-racist approach to running our market, we encourage engagement with the community, especially our BIPOC neighbors, to collaborate with us to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and recognized. We welcome conversations that will facilitate our growth into a more equitable entity. If you would like to reach out to our board you can do so by emailing us at info@chappaquafarmersmarket.org.
Pascale
Our Market Manager
Pascale Le Draoulec, our market director, grew up in California to French expat parents who foraged for everything from snails and watercress, and would drive a hundred miles for a good Crottin de Chevre or baguette, before farmer’s markets became a thing there. The markets of Provence and Santa Monica are her inspiration. Pascale also runs the Hastings, Irvington and Bronxville farmers markets in Westchester and the market at the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. She is also a former restaurant critic and author. You can read her weekly blog here on the website.
Board of Directors
The market operates as a non-profit, run by a Board of Directors, committed to our mission. We also gratefully acknowledge the support we receive from the Town of New Castle and the Chamber of Commerce.
BOARD:
Wendy Rubin (Chair)
Will Wedge (Treasurer and Founding Member)
Anne Hasegawa (Founding Member)
Nancy Silver
Diane Albert (Recording Secretary)
Renee Badigian
Joe Del Toro
Evy Rosen
Cynthia Schames
Priscilla Sorensen (Emerita)
Market Tips
CHECK OUT WHAT’S IN SEASON
Dig up recipes accordingly so you can get everything you need at the market. Or, if you like to cook without recipes, stroll the market and see what inspires you. Either way, it’s a good idea to do a “recognizance” tour of the market first before you buy anything to know what your options are.
BRING YOUR CLOTH AND REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS
It’s the right thing to do, especially now that there is a town ban on plastic “t-shirt” bags. If you want to stay for lunch, toss a cooler in the back of your car to stash your delicate items. You can buy both veggie bags and grocery bags at the market table. The veggie bags are a good replacement for plastic bags which are no longer recyclable in Chappaqua. They are easily washable for weekly use.
THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
Even though we are plentiful in produce vendors, it always pays to get to the market early to get first pick – especially during berry season. If you have time, come back at day’s end when some vendors kindly offer discounts.
BE FLEXIBLE
Don’t expect to find the same items at the market from week to week as some vendors rotate in and out and farmers bring only what they are growing and what is in season. And of course everything is weather dependent.
TRY DIFFERENT THINGS
Give items that you wouldn’t normally buy a chance. If you’re not sure how to prepare something the vendors will definitely help you out.