With farmers across Western New York battling against the economic impact of COVID-19, outdoor farmers markets have remained an important lifeline to the public. In Chautauqua County, local farms reported increased demand for foods like eggs, beef and chicken as the pandemic caused panic buying and hit grocery store supply lines this spring. Local options like the Lakewood Farmers Market, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, also give residents the opportunity to do some shopping outside in the sunshine.

P-J photo by Jay Young