Press Releases

NYC Health + Hospitals Hosts Farmers Markets at Hospitals and Community Health Centers Across New York City

Markets increase access to fresh, affordable food options for patients, staff, and the community

Jun 27, 2017

As part of its continuing commitment to address social determinants of health, NYC Health + Hospitals announced its 2017 schedule of farmers markets hosted at public hospitals and community health centers across the city. NYC Health + Hospitals has again partnered with Harvest Home Farmer’s Market, GrowNYC, Mott Haven Farmers Market, and Cypress Hills Verde/Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation to host farmers markets or fresh food box programs at 15 patient care locations to make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible for patients, staff, and the community.

“There is a direct correlation between healthy eating and the prevention and management of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity,” said Dr. Machelle Allen, chief medical officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Making fresh food options available and affordable in neighborhoods that need it most is the foundation for healthier communities.”

Farmers markets offer a variety of affordable, regionally grown vegetables, fruits, and fresh juices in communities where residents sometimes lack access to quality produce at reasonable prices. Shopping at farmers markets supports regional agriculture and helps educate communities about the importance of healthy eating through on-site cooking and nutrition demonstrations, health tips, and healthy recipes, and as well as information about how eating fruits and vegetables can prevent or control the symptoms of obesity and chronic disease.

Various payment options are available to help New Yorkers take advantage of farmers markets, including EBT/SNAP, Health Bucks, Green Checks, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) coupons.

NYC Health + Hospitals offers a variety of primary and preventive care services to help New Yorkers control their weight, avoid or manage chronic conditions, and learn about healthy eating and lifestyles. All services are affordable and available to New Yorkers regardless of their ability to pay, immigration status, or insurance status. Call 311 or visit NYC Health + Hospitals to find a patient care location in your neighborhood.

*NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue will partner with GrowNYC as part of its Fresh Food Box Program. Every week participants are provided with a selection of the best seasonally available, regionally grown produce, along with recipes and instructions for proper storage.

Contact: Jennifer Bender, 212-788-3339

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or Twitter at @NYCHealthSystem.