Smith Market Wins Community Foundation Challenge

Smith Market is the winner of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties' $25,000 Impact Opportunity Challenge.

The market was one of five finalists to pitch their idea for an innovative concept for downtown Utica to a panel of judges.

Smith Market will be located at 412 Main Street, in the former D.B. Smith and Company building.

The market will feature organic and locally grown produce, chemical free groceries and eco-friendly household products.  It intends to meet the growing demand for a natural food store and year-round market in the downtown Utica area.

“Our focus is to be local with our products and with our efforts,” said co-owner Luciann Gould. “This is an idea that has evolved in me for years. I grow gardens and frequent [local] markets. I talk to farmers and learn everything there is to know about the food – how it is produced, how the animals are raised and what the animals are fed. For years, I have often wondered why we didn’t have [a health food store] in Utica and now we will!”

Gould and co-owner Christopher Tillotson plan to use the money for new equipment, shelving and furniture for the market.