BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Taste NY program has made it a point of celebrating local producers in an impactful way since it started.
Locally grown products from farms are displayed in the Western New York Welcome Center from places like Lockport, Derby, and others after it opened in 2018.
The New York State Thruway Authority manages the Welcome Center and has brought over 670,000 visitors over the years.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner, Richard A. Ball, announced that Taste NY has made over $1 million in sales for local farms and businesses.
“Celebrating our Taste NY program’s 10th anniversary across the state has been a true highlight of 2023, and I’m excited to keep the festivities going at the Western New York Welcome Center today," Ball said.
Celebrating the impact of the program at the center has brought together the support of businesses and visitors who enjoy their products.
Taste NY Market Manager of the Western New York Welcome Center, Molly Vigrass, shares the impact that has been made in the community since the center opened.
"We’ve been so lucky to be able to represent the small food and agriculture businesses of our area and those throughout New York State, and to witness the impact that the Taste NY program has had on our community since our Welcome Center opened five years ago," Vigrass said.
Commissioner Ball says that the Taste NY program will host two contests on social media during the holidays to support local businesses and celebrate the 10th anniversary. Visitors can take a selfie at the WNY Welcome Center selfie station, scan the QR code there, and post it on social media with the "#Tasteturns10" to be entered.
The winners will receive a Taste NY gift basket full of local food and drink items.
You can learn more about Taste NY and the products sold by them here.