South Bronx Farmers Market Launches 2015 Season In Mott Haven

South Bronx Providing Fresh Food Access For Residents

BRONX, NY- Farm-fresh, affordable food is once again available in South Bronx at the new South Bronx Farmers Market (SBFM) that will launch Saturday, June 20. The market runs for 23 consecutive weeks on Saturdays until November 21st and operates from 10 am – 4 pm, rain or shine. The market is located on 138th Street between Willis and Alexander Avenues in the South Bronx.

In support of residents on food subsidies, food stamp recipients can now use their SNAP/EBT card at the market to purchase food-stamp authorized fruits, vegetables, farm fresh eggs, local honey and fresly-baked breads. Some vendors also accept WIC checks so families can add locally-grown produce to their pantries.

In addition to farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, market shoppers can attend daily on-site cooking demonstrations offered by both Just Food and Stellar Markets each market day.

Shoppers can learn how to cook available foods with simple and nutritious recipes provided by community chefs speaking in English & Spanish. For the first time this year we will offer food scrap collection so residents can bring food scraps our farmers can turn into compost and alleviate pressure on our landfills.

“This is a positive, win-win situation for everyone involved in the South Bronx Farmers Market – both the vendors and the food stamp customers. Now our residents will have access to the freshest, healthiest produce and products that New York State has to offer!” says Lily Kesselman, Director of SBFM. The market is located in the poorest congressional district in the United States and almost 50% of children in this area live below the poverty line. Services for subsidized food-program recipients are vital in this community.

Farmers include La Finca del Sur, a local community garden located just blocks away from the market on 138th Street & Grand Concourse; Urban Rebuilding Initiative, located in the South Bronx; Wassaic Community Farm of Wassaic, NY a variety of medicinal teas and herbs, and Nolasco Farm – a small regional farm in New Jersey specializing in traditional Mexican vegetables and herbs. The market will also offer affordable, artisanal breads from local baker Zaro’s and local honey. Opening day will also feature South Bronx Hot Sauce and Port Morris Distillery – two local producers.

The market is a 100% community-led project planned and run by volunteers and empowered by strong community partnerships that have all helped to bring the project to fruition: Youth Advocates Program is offering two local youth paid jobs at the market each week; both Stellar Markets and Just Food are providing stipends for community chefs; The NYC Department of Mental Health & Hygiene is providing $2 Health Bucks for every EBT/SNAP purchase of $5 which gives these shoppers an additional 40% of product for their dollar (from July – September only); and Citizens Committee for New York City provided the funding with a Neighborhood Grant.

The market is easily accessible by train and located just outside the MTA 6 Train 138th Street/Third Avenue station or the 4/5 trains at the Grand Concourse/138th Street Stop. All market information is available at online in both English and limited information in Spanish http://www.southbronxfarmersmarket.com

The South Bronx Farmers Market is a 501c3 charitable organization.