June is Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and Erie County is promoting the Erie Grown initiative to help residents connect with fresh, locally grown food. Erie Grown is a free resource that helps residents find farms, farm stands, mobile markets and farmers markets across Erie County, making it easier to access fresh, locally grown food close to home.
“Supporting Erie Grown means supporting our farmers,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Every time you buy local, you help strengthen our agricultural economy and preserve the farmland that keeps Erie County green and growing.”
Shopping at farmers markets or farm stands is a great way to find a variety of produce. It’s also a chance to support small farms and learn more about where your food comes from. The Erie Grown Fresh Produce Finder shows what’s in season and which locations are near you.
Many markets also accept nutrition assistance benefits to help make fresh produce more affordable for everyone:
- FMNP Accepted – Markets that accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks (for eligible WIC and senior participants)
- FCC Accepted – Markets that have vendors who may accept FreshConnect Checks
- SNAP Accepted – Markets where SNAP/EBT benefits can be used
Each week, the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning will share a series of messages on their website and social media, highlighting local farmers markets as they open for the season and providing information about the types of nutrition assistance accepted by vendors.
“Food equity means everyone has consistent access to fresh, affordable, and nourishing food that reflects their personal values, supports their health, and aligns with their dietary needs,” said Sarah Gatti, Chair of the Buffalo and Erie County Erie County Food Policy Council and Principal Planner with the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. “It’s about building a food system that works for all, not just for some.”
Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of many preventable health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Supporting local agriculture through Erie Grown also keeps more food dollars in our local economy and promotes environmental sustainability.
Use the Erie Grown Passport for a Chance to Win Prizes:
Residents can also participate in the Erie Grown Passport program, which encourages visits to farms, farmers markets, and other local food businesses. Track your visits to earn entries for prizes!
How It Works:
- Visit any farm, market, or agricultural event listed on Erie Grown and write the date in your passport.
- Online-only purchases also count (just note the date).
- One entry per location.
- Use the online Passport or print your own here.
Rules:
1. Visits must occur between March 10 and December 31, 2025.
2. One Passport per person.
3. One entry per listing.
4. Make a purchase when you visit.
5. Submit completed Passports by January 16, 2026.
Whether you’re trying a new vegetable, visiting a farmer’s market for the first time, or enjoying an apple from a local orchard, there are many ways to take part in Fruit and Vegetable Month. Erie Grown helps make it easy for everyone in Erie County to eat well, support local, and enjoy the season.
For more information:
Erie Grown: https://www3.erie.gov/eriegrown/
Food Policy Council: https://www3.erie.gov/fpc/
Erie Grown Passport: https://www3.erie.gov/eriegrown/eriegrown/eriegrown/eriegrown/erie-grown-passport
ECDOH Health Equity Food Access Newsletter:
https://www3.erie.gov/health/sites/www3.erie.gov.health/files/2022-08/henewsletterfoodaccess.pdf
Erie County Farmers Markets:
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning: https://www3.erie.gov/environment/
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