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July Newsletter

Ere Grown July Newsletter

A printable PDF version of the Erie Grown July Newsletter can be downloaded. For accessibility, please use the web version of this content.

Inside this e-newsletter, you will find:

  • What’s in Season?
  • Seasonal Produce Highlight
  • U-Pick Farms
  • Mobile Markets in Erie County
  • Erie Grown Passport Reminder
  • Current and Upcoming Events

What’s in Season?

This is the time of year when fresh fruits and vegetables are widely available from Erie County farms. In the coming weeks, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all in season, offering a short window when they can be found fresh and locally grown at the same time. As the season progresses, corn will soon be “knee-high by the Fourth of July,” with peak sweet corn availability arriving in August.

Residents can find seasonal produce at farm stands, farmers markets, and u-pick farms across the County. To locate nearby growers, visit Erie Grown and search by type of produce to find local farms and markets. The following fruits and vegetables are typically in season in Erie County during July:

  • Apples
  • Beet Greens
  • Beets
  • Blueberries
  • Broccoli 
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Collard Greens
  • Garlic
  • Green Beans
  • Lettuce
  • Mustard Greens
  • Onions
  • Peaches
  • Peas
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Raspberries
  • Snap Beans
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries
  • Summer Squash
  • Sweet Cherries
  • Swiss Chard 
  • Tart Cherries
  • Tomatoes 
  • Turnip Greens 
  • Zucchini

Seasonal Produce Highlight

Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? Blueberries are a nutrient-dense fruit, providing fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium, while being low in sodium and fat-free. Blueberries are at their peak in July across Erie County, making this one of the best times of year to enjoy them locally. You can find local blueberries on Erie Grown. When selecting blueberries, look for berries with smooth, unbroken skin and a deep blue to nearly black color with a natural dusty coating. Store unwashed in the refrigerator and rinse just before eating. For best flavor, serve at room temperature.

U-Pick Farms

Visiting a U-pick farm is a staple of summer in Erie County. U-pick farms typically charge by the pound or by container and allow visitors to harvest fresh produce and flowers directly from the fields. It’s always best to confirm a location is open before visiting because availability is often limited.

It’s a fun seasonal activity that also offers a closer connection to where food comes from and the work involved in growing and harvesting it.

Below are several U-pick farms in Erie County:

Mobile Markets in Erie County

A Mobile Market is a traveling grocery provider that can travel to various communities, increasing fresh food access.

MAP Mobile Market Schedule 

June 2 - October 30 as follows:

  • Tuesdays, 11am-1pm, West Buffalo Charter School, 113 Lafayette Avenue, 14213
  • Tuesdays, 4pm-6pm, Mrs. Frances Nash's Garden Basket, 36 Nash Street, 14204
  • Wednesdays, 11am-1pm, Neighborhood Health Center, Northwest, 155 Lawn Avenue, 14207
  • Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm, Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Avenue, 14215
  • Thursdays, 11am-1pm, Buffalo Adult Education, 160 Edward Street, 14201
  • Thursdays 3pm-6pm, MAP Farmhouse Market (year-round), 387 Massachusetts Avenue, 14213
  • Fridays, 10am-2pm, Broadway Pediatrics, 1021 Broadway, 14212
  • Fridays, 2pm-4pm, LeRoy R. Coles, Jr. Library, 1187 E. Delavan Avenue, 14215

Buffalo Go Green Market Schedule

  • Sundays, 9am-1pm, Kenmore Farmers Market, corner of Delaware Avenue and Delaware Road
  • Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm, Westminster Senior Homes, 6/18; 8/18; 9/15/; 10/20. 419 Monroe Street, 14212
  • Tuesdays, 4:30pm-6:30pm, Mrs. Frances Nash's Garden Basket, 36 Nash Street, 14204
  • Wednesdays, 10am-12pm, Community Health Center, 34 Benwood Avenue, 14214
  • Thursdays, 4pm-6:30pm, Delavan Grider Community Center, 14215
  • Fridays, 10am-1pm, Niagara Street Pediatrics, 1050 Niagara Street, 14213

Know Before You Go

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

Look for SNAP on the map determine if a farmers market accepts SNAP benefits. If so, SNAP recipients can use their EBT card to purchase eligible foods.

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)

Look for DUFB on the map to determine if a farmers market participates in DUFB. If so, DUFB matches SNAP recipients’ fruit and vegetable purchases dollar for dollar, up to $20 a day. SNAP recipients are automatically eligible for DUFB but must enroll in the program at doubleupnys.com or at the market.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

Look for FMNP on the map to determine if a farmers market accepts FMNP benefits. If so, FMNP recipients can use coupons to purchase fruit and vegetables. Visit bit.ly/fmnpinfo for more information.

Erie Grown Passport Reminder

With your online Passport or printed passport (email agriculture@erie.gov to receive a PDF), each time that you visit a farm, farm related business, or agricultural festival listed on Erie Grown, simply write the date you visited. In January 2027, three participants who submit their Passports will win prizes! Learn more on the Erie Grown Passport webpage.

Looking Ahead: August

August is the peak of the regional agricultural fair season and harvest celebrations, more details to come next month: 

  • Sweet Corn Season
  • Erie County Fair (August 12-23)
  • Eden Corn Festival (August 6-9)
  • Urban Farm Day (August 15)

You can submit events by emailing agriculture@erie.gov

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