Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Xavia Malcolm
Telephone: 718-206-6746
Email: xmalcolm@jhmc.org
Jamaica Hospital to Bring Much Needed Farmers’ Market to the Community
Jun 20,2018
Adequate access to healthy food is a key issue that affects several Queens communities. In a recent study conducted by Public Health Solutions it was found that areas of the borough, including Jamaica, were deemed as “Food Swamps.” The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), describes food swamps as “neighborhoods where fast food and junk food inundate healthy alternatives.”
In an effort to provide a solution to this problem, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is making access to healthy food a priority. As part of its initiative to promote overall wellness in the community, the hospital is collaborating with LI Greenmarket to bring a much-needed Farmers’ Market to the area.
“We are happy to bring fresh, local and healthy produce to residents, staff and visitors at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Access to farm fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to health and wellness,” said Program Director of LI Greenmarket Bernadette Martin.
By bringing the farmers market to its service area, Jamaica Hospital hopes to not only provide an outlet where the community can obtain seasonal fruits and vegetables but to also address the health problems associated with the lack thereof.
Obesity and heart disease are health conditions that are prevalent in neighborhoods serviced by the hospital. Increased fruit and vegetable consumption plays an important role in reducing the risks of heart disease and lowering obesity rates.
“Addressing diet-related illnesses and obesity in our community has always been one of our primary objectives at Jamaica Hospital. Our farmers’ market is an addition to several initiatives we have implemented to provide our population with resources needed to lead healthy lives,” shared Ann Corrigan, Director of Planning at Jamaica Hospital.
Jamaica Hospital’s farmers’ market will offer produce provided by Perez Farms, and host a series of wellness events as well as weekly cooking demonstrations coordinated by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension. All members of the community are invited to shop and participate every Wednesday, 10:00 am to 4:00pm at 134-20 Jamaica Avenue, beginning on June 27 through November 21, 2018. To ensure affordability, the market accepts FMNP checks, WIC coupons, SNAP to Market EBT program benefits, and participates in the NY State Farmers Market Nutrition Program as well as the NYC Health Bucks Program.