A program aimed at getting more fruits and vegetables on New Yorkers’ tables is now under way at all of the city’s 138 farmers markets.
As part of the “Health Bucks” program, participants get an extra $2 worth of free produce for every $5 spent.
The “Health Bucks” are $2 coupons to be used toward the purchase of fruits and vegetables.
The city estimates the program will provide about $350,000 in free food for low-income New Yorkers.
“The obesity epidemic has unfolded over the last 40 years. People haven’t changed during that time, people’s genes haven’t changed during that time. What has changed is our environment. We have much greater accessibility of high-calorie snack foods than we did 40 years ago,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, the city health commissioner.
Union Square Greenmarket:
What began as a small gathering of farmers in 1976 now attracts more than 60,000 shoppers daily. This weekend, snap up broccoli rabe from Migliorelli Farm; stinging nettles and watercress from W. Rogowski Farm; and Bodhi Tree Farm’s young asparagus. Fans of maple syrup should stock up on the sticky sweet goodness from Deep Mountain Maple.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8am to 6pm (grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket)
