SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Prices across all items at grocery stores have inflated by over 25% since December 2019, and they are expected to keep rising as the war in Iran continues. The Strait of Hormuz being effectively closed has halted one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and when oil is more expensive, it affects anything that requires fuel.
Shoppers are facing rising costs everywhere, from the gas pump to the grocery store, and the need for localized products is especially high.
The Westcott farmer’s market has been part of the East Syracuse community for almost 20 years. All of its vendors produce all of their goods within 15-20 minutes of the market, and include bakers, farmers and even salsa makers.
Jessica Ginney, director of operations at Westcott Community Center, said it began when the center recognized the community’s need for a market.
“The community members said ‘We want a farmer’s market on the east side,'” said Ginney. “So, at the time the person who was running the community center said ‘Okay, we’re going to meet that need and make a farmer’s market.'”
The market has a season from June through October where vendors table weekly, and most of the time outdoors. Right now, the community center is running pop-ups until the season begins.
Even being a two-minute walk from Syracuse University, Ginney said they struggle to get turnout from younger people that are already so close to the market.
“We have been struggling a bit with younger people,” said Ginney. “We use social media and an app called Nextdoor to get the word out, but it’s still difficult.”
Amelia Wasiluk owns Amelia’s Avocado Salsa Dip, and goes from market to grocery store to college campus to get her products to customers. She says it is a lot more than just a job.
“It’s really part of my lifestyle,” she said. “It takes a lot to sacrifice a career to do this, but I love it. It’s so much more than just a product to sell and make an income.”
As shoppers watch prices continue to increase, the accessibility and affordability of local products could propel markets like the one in Westcott to the front of people’s minds when they go shopping.