Farmers Wanted at NY Thruway Rest Stops

We travel across the state a lot to visit Jenn's family in Buffalo and now that we will be able to travel more, we plan on taking more trips to Western New York this summer. We always love stopping at the rest areas on the New York State Thruway because throughout the spring and summer we pick up local and delicious fresh farm foods. The New York Thruway Authority is looking for local farmers to showcase and sell their products at rest areas throughout the state.

According to News 10 ABC, the New York State Thruway Authority is looking for farmers and vendors to sign up to display and sell their products to millions of people who travel the Thruway for the "Taste of NY Farm Markets" season. They will only accept New York grown products like fruit, vegetables, honey, butter, cheese, and more that farmers have to offer.

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In the past, Jenn and I have stopped several times at these stands on the way back from Buffalo to bring home fresh tomatoes and corn. We have also bought real maple syrup. The people who run the stands are usually the families of the farms the products come from. We have struck up conversations and talked with them about their farms. They are proud to be New York farmers and to show off their goods.

On Thursday, April 1st, the 2021 season will begin and you will start seeing these stands at rest areas all along the 570-mile Thruway. They will be following all COVID-19 guidelines where face masks and social distancing will be required.

If you are a New York state framer or vendor and would like to showcase and sell your products for the Taste NY Farm Markets email TravelersServices@thruway.ny.gov.