30 years strong: The remarkable journey of this NYC farmers market

St. George Greenmarket spring farmers market Staten Island

The colorful flowers and produce, plus the farmers themselves, have continued drawing Staten Islanders to the St. George Greenmarket which has operated near the corner of Hyatt St. and St. Mark's Place since 1995. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Three decades ago, the St. George Greenmarket took root in a parking lot that is now the site of the Richmond County Courthouse. Back then, neighbors planted the seeds for a hub of fresh produce in a former food desert. This strategic thinking led to the establishment of a year-round market. Today, growers travel from farms within 250 miles of New York City to participate on Saturday mornings."

The St. George Greenmarket now thrives behind the St. George Theatre at St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt Street. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this early point in the growing season. Its oldest two producers are Not Just Rugelach and Rabbits Run Farm from Bucks County, PA. Rabbits Run is known for its goats-milk cheeses and still-youthful-looking farmers Laurie Churchill and Dan Morrison who personally run the stand.

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