News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2014
Better Eating in Manhattan at HHC Farmers Markets
Better Eating in Manhattan at HHC Farmers Markets
Harlem and Metropolitan Hospital farmers markets bring
fresh fruits and vegetables, fighting obesity and chronic disease
New York, NY – The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) will host farmers markets at eight of its hospitals this year, including at Harlem and Metropolitan Hospital Centers in Manhattan, helping to make fresh fruits and vegetables available and promote healthy eating habits for all New Yorkers.
HHC’s farmers markets offer a variety of regionally-grown vegetables, fruits, fresh juices and flowers in communities where residents sometimes lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. Numerous programs are in place to help residents take advantage of farmers markets, and shoppers can take advantage of a variety of payment options, including EBT/SNAP, Health Bucks, Green Checks, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) coupons.
“Proper eating is a critical part of maintaining good health, and fruits and vegetables are a critical part of proper eating,” said HHC President Dr. Ram Raju. “Along with regular checkups and exercise, a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables keeps people fit and helps to control or avoid chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Farmers markets directly support HHC’s efforts to make communities healthy and we’re very happy to keep expanding the program to bring affordable food options to more and more neighborhoods.”
HHC offers a variety of services to help New Yorkers control their weight, manage chronic conditions and learn about healthy eating and lifestyles, all available regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. To locate the nearest facility, see HHC’s newly redesigned website at http://www.nyc.gov/hhc.
Five of the HHC farmers markets are hosted in partnership with the local non-profit organization Harvest Home Farmer’s Market.
Market hours and locations:
Metropolitan Hospital Center
99th Street and Third Avenue
June 27 to November 1
Fridays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed July 4)
Harlem Hospital
Lenox Avenue between 136th and 137th Streets
Open June 27 to November 1
Fridays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed July 4)