In the past, one of my favorite activities during the summer months was to visit the two local markets in my neighborhood: Poe Park and the New York Botanical Garden. I am no longer limited to just two months out of the year and can now visit them throughout the entire six month season. During that time, I only eat produce I purchase from the markets. I also use the time to try out foods that I don’t normally buy. It especially helps to have someone available to consult about the product: How should I cook it? What is the best way to store it? How long will it remain fresh? The markets are located throughout the city and open one or more days per week for at least 6 months. Some of the sites, depending on the size of the location, offer additional services. In Poe Park, I can bring food scraps to be composted and drop off textiles for recycling.
So what is free about the Farmers’ Markets? Cooking/nutrition lessons and money. The lesson begins with a lecture that includes audience participation followed by a cooking demonstration. Opportunities are sometimes offered to receive free products by answering summary lesson questions. At the end, all those who attend the entire lesson receive a survey form, which is required to receive the free money. Once the survey is collected, a $2 Health Bucks coupon is given to the participant to be used at any farmers’ market in the city. Not all sites offer this program, so check the website below to find out if it is available in your neighborhood.
Go challenge yourself to find a vegetable you’ve never seen before. Use the link below to find the market nearest you.
http://www.grownyc.org/greenmarket
retiredandfreeinnyc 