Southampton Town gets $10G grant for food program

Southampton Town is receiving a $10,000 grant from the state for its Flanders Farm Fresh Food Market program.

The grant is from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s new Fresh Connect program, which promotes selling local farm produce in low-income or rural areas where fresh food is less available.

The Flanders market, now in its second year, serves Flanders, Riverside and Northampton — communities that do not have full-service supermarkets or fresh farm stands that otherwise dot the two East End forks.

The market sells local produce from eight farms, and takes food stamps and other forms of public assistance for food. The market also includes a youth training program. This summer will be its second in operation.

“It helps stimulate the local economy, support local agriculture, engage young adults, and create a sense of community all at the same time,” said Southampton councilwoman Bridget Fleming, who spearheaded the town’s program.