Bushwick, Brooklyn Farmer's Market: From Food Stamps to Fresh Produce

This video offers a lens into one of 3 farmers markets in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

With a national trend towards localizing food consumption as well as growing concern over obesity, New York City has put an increasing focus on making healthy food accessible.

But many New York residents can't afford to shop for organic or locally produced food. For many underserved communities, finding fresh produce let alone a farmers market can be a challenge.

In recent years the New York City Department of Health has made an effort to bring farmers markets to communities that may not have access to local, organic foods.

One of those markets that have seen growing success is in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Bushwick has a reported 1 in 4 adult obesity rate and a childhood obesity rate at 45% or higher.

The market here, held every Saturday from July until November, on Knickerbocker Avenue accepts all forms of cash assistance. The market holds public education workshops on healthy cooking and eating using seasonal foods.

We'll follow shoppers Luz, and her daughter Eliva, as they shop for the weeks produce. We'll chat with market worker Christy about why the market is important for Bushwick.

And baker Amatullah from "Sweet, Spice & Honey,"(http://sweetspiceandhoney.tumblr.com/) who brings her her daughters Nejmah and Muneerah to help, will tempt us with their amazing pastries.

Learn more about the market at: http://bushwickfarmersmarket.org/

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• food stamps
• Buswick
• Brooklyn
• EBT
• poverty
• obesity
• farmers markets
• local produce
• sustanibility