Policy makers come to the market

On Tuesday, July 10th Councilwoman Christine Quinn spoke at Poe Park Greenmarket in the Bronx. She talked about the importance of increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to counter the obesity epidemic. Jane Udell, from the Department of Health spoke about Health Bucks. They are available to low-income families and WIC participants in increments of $2. Health Bucks can then be used at Farmers' Markets. These are in addition to the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)Checks that are dispersed at the beginning of July, from the New York State Deparment of Agriculture and Markets. $24 is given to families and $20 is given to seniors in the form of checks that can only be spent at markets. These iniatives are all components of increasing fresh food availability to those of low-income. Bob Lewis, the program coordinator for the Ag. Dept's program also appeared at the Poe Park press spot.
Other key policy figures and organization representatives rallied for the importance of healthful food and more widespread acquisition. The Bronx Deputy Borough President voiced support for the importance of farmers markets in the Bronx. JC Dwyer from the Coalition Against Hunger reiterated the coalition's continued commitment to reducing food insecurity in NYC. The coordinator of Greenmarket also appeared to speak to the increasing need of connecting consumers to local foods.