City Market rises again

It’s been only a few months since Field & Fork Network took over the Niagara Falls City Market, but the difference has been immediate and noticeable.

Three new vendors are there weekly. The rebirth of the market was envisioned by the 2018 Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan.

Two changes made last year have made a big difference according to Field & Fork’s Tom Lowe: The market began accepting SNAP benefits and offering DoubleUp. SNAP has generated $14,000 in revenue. DoubleUp has generated about $10,000.

DoubleUp doubles the value of SNAP benefits up to $20 daily so someone who spends $10 can get $20 in produce.

On Friday, Congressman Brian Higgins visited the market for a press even with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello and Mayor Robert Restaino. Higgins announced a $245,000 USDA grant that will help the market support a manager for at least the next 3 years and plan for a better future.

“This year was our beginning,” Lowe said, “a test run. Today we have 3 new vendors and they will be coming right through the holidays.”

Lowe said next year, he hopes the market can add other new vendors as well, selling meats, cheeses, jams, jellies and baked goods.

“We need to kind of complement what we already have,” Lowe said, “to fill in the empty spaces.”

Restaino said rebirth of the market, and revitalization of Pine Avenue is important but must be methodical.

“Some might think just do this, just do that,” Restaino said, “but it really is ready, aim, shoot so we do things properly.”

The market has been in existence since the horse-and-buggy days of the late 1800s. What once was a vibrant place full of diverse vendors has struggled in recent years.

The city earlier this year used American Rescue Plan funds to buy out the lease of Al Muto. Retail space in the plaza is now managed by Militello Realty.

Field & Fork Network intends to work with current vendors, City Officials, residents and other stakeholders to develop a vision for the market that is part of the City’s overall development for the Pine Avenue area. Anyone interested in learning more about this work or to engage in the larger work of the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan can learn more by visiting www.fieldandforknetwork.com

“Long term we hope a strong city market will improve foot traffic and draw more customers to the businesses along Pine Avenue,” Restaino said.

Lisa McCue is one of the new vendors at the market. She came with here Paradise in Pink Boutique for the artisan day and has been there every Friday since.

“I remember when I was a kid coming with my mother,” McCue said. “It stretched all the way down to McDonalds.”

Here’s a link to McCue’s site. https://www.paradiseinpink.com/