Fresh Produce Is Rolling Back Into Herkimer County This Summer

It will soon be easier to buy fresh fruits and vegetables in Herkimer County.

The Veggie Van is returning for the 2026 season. The mobile market will travel to neighborhoods across the county, bringing fresh produce from West End Farm in Herkimer.

The season runs from June 15 through October 13.

What Is the Veggie Van?

The Veggie Van is like a farmers market on wheels.

Instead of going to a store or market, people can visit the Veggie Van when it comes to their neighborhood. The goal is to help more families get healthy, fresh food close to home.

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The Veggie Van will stop in communities including Herkimer, Ilion, Frankfort, Mohawk, Little Falls, West Winfield, and Old Forge.

Many of these locations are just a short drive from Utica.

How Can You Pay?

The Veggie Van accepts:

• Cash
• Credit cards
• EBT/SNAP benefits
• FreshConnect checks

Some locations will also accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks.

Learn How Food Is Grown and Cooked

A new program called From the Ground Up will take place alongside the Veggie Van this year.

People can visit community gardens and see how fruits and vegetables are grown. They can also watch cooking demonstrations and learn simple ways to make healthy meals at home.

Each month will feature a different recipe:

• June: Plum Cucumber Salad
• July: Zucchini Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• August: Avocado and Corn Salsa
• September: Apple Spinach Salad
• October: Carrot Raisin Salad

Helping Community Gardens Grow

The From the Ground Up program will also help local community gardens.

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Seven gardens in Herkimer County will receive $2,000 each to buy supplies, improve their gardens, and grow more fresh food for their communities.

A Healthy Summer in the Mohawk Valley

The Veggie Van helps local farmers and gives families an easy way to buy fresh food.

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If you live in Herkimer County or nearby in the Utica area, you may find a Veggie Van stop close to home this summer. Check out the locations here.

For more information, call Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County at (315) 866-7920.