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PonckHockie Market Serves 500+ Families in Less Than a Year
THRIVE ON! Network Inc. (THRIVE ON!) is proud to announce that the PonckHockie Market has served more than 500 families in its first year of operation, a major milestone in the fight for food access and community resilience in Kingston.
June 25, 2024
A Milestone for Food Access
Launched in 2024 by THRIVE ON!’s Early Thrivers program, the PonckHockie Market is a youth-led response to the neighborhood’s designation as a food desert. In less than a year, the market has become a vital source of fresh food and community connection for families who otherwise face limited options.
June Block Party Brings the Community Together
The market’s momentum came to life at the June Block Party, where more than 300 families gathered to celebrate. For the first time, several vendors sold out of their offerings, a clear sign of the community’s excitement and need.
The block party also brought together an array of partners offering invaluable resources, including the YWCA of Ulster County, Ulster SPCA, Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Lisa’s Libraries, and many more. From free books to pet care resources to energy-saving solutions, the event went beyond food access—showing how the market can serve as a platform for holistic community support.
“This event proved what we’ve known from the start,” said Keyvious Avery, President of THRIVE ON!. “PonckHockie Market is more than a place to get food—it’s a gathering place, a launchpad for resources, and a living example of what happens when youth lead.”
Youth Leadership at the Core
From its beginning, the PonckHockie Market has been planned, organized, and operated by six local youth through THRIVE ON!’s Early Thrivers program. Their leadership continues to shape the market’s monthly themes, nonprofit partnerships, and income-based pricing model.
Looking Ahead
With more than 500 families served in less than a year, THRIVE ON! and its partners are looking toward expansion—bringing in new vendors, offering more community resources, and continuing to prove that youth-led solutions can transform systems from the ground up.
About THRIVE ON!
THRIVE ON! is a youth-driven nonprofit based in Kingston, NY. Beginning with its pilot Early Thrivers program, THRIVE ON! equips young people and grassroots leaders to design, build, and lead the solutions their communities need.