Farmer's Markets
- Daley
- May 17, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 1, 2022
Local food is better for the environment, tastes better, supports your local community, promotes transparency, AND there’s less plastic waste, but sometimes it can seem unaffordable.
This is because grains– like corn (the most abundant U.S. crop), soy, wheat, and rice– have been subsidized by our government, which makes ultra-processed products (like high fructose corn syrup) super cheap for conglomerate farms to produce because that's what the government pays them to grow. This leaves our country with grocery store shelves lined with inexpensive, mainly corn-based products instead of an abundance of accessible produce (American Action Forum).
It is crucial we support our community farms by shopping locally– see below for information on how to get FREE produce using Health Bucks (SNAP)! They are also a great way of learning about native produce you've never heard of and to learn what produce is in season when!
Photo Credit: The New York Botanical Garden Farmers Market
What are Health Bucks? "Health Bucks are $2 coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers markets. For more information, email farmersmarkets@health.nyc.gov." You can match up to $10 a day and all produce vendors are required to accept Health Bucks tokens.
Are you a member of a community- or faith-based organization? Organizations can apply online or email the application to farmersmarkets@health.nyc.gov to receive free Health Bucks distribute to community members as an incentive to participate in nutrition education and other health-related activities.
Click here for a list of New York City's 2022 Year-Round Farmers Markets. They Markets all accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (SNAP/EBT) cards and distribute Health Bucks, unless otherwise noted. En Español.
BONUS POINTS (just from me) if you bring your own bags (single-use totally acceptable if you save them) along with you instead of opting for single-use plastic ones!
GrowNYC provides an interactive and printable map and schedule of all their Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box sites (all markets accept SNAP and FMNP checks are each worth $4.). Follow them to stay up to date on their events, news, and Greenmarket arrivals!
So, you want to begin eating healthier, but aren't sure what to buy or don't think you can afford it? Check out these guides to get yourself started: Low-Cost Farmer's Market Recipes, How to Build a Healthy Meal, Easy Ways to Make a Shopping List, and this Guide to Healthy Eating and Active Living in NYC.
These guides, and more information, are available in 12 additional languages at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/eating-well.page.
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