By Deborah Richardson
Bronxites seeking fresh fruit and vegetables should check out the eight Harvest Home Farmer’s Markets across the borough. The markets offer reasonable prices for produce, along with a healthy subsidy. For every $5 spent, the customer is given a $2 coupon to buy more. The non-profit Harvest Home says that each year it helps feed more than 250,000 New Yorkers living below 30 percent of the federal poverty level.
On a recent sunny September Thursday, the near St. Mary’s Park on 149th Street attracted a steady stream of customers, including school kids. Market staffer Debby Ho sauteed eggplant, zucchini and peppers on an electric stove. After preparing her dish, she gave out the steaming samples and a card to show the ingredients, preparation instructions, and the nutritional benefits.
The St. Mary’s Park Market is open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m every Thursday from July 9 to November 20.
The Harvest Home Farmer’s Market has several other locations in the Bronx as well as other boroughs. Customers can use several government programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), electronic benefit transfers (EBT), Women Infant and Children and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers (WIC-FMNP). They can also use their debit or credit card to pay for their groceries.
Jahmar Campbell is the site coordinator of the St. Mary’s Market. He said that he treasures his job because he loves interacting with people and he enjoys being a part of an organization that helps those in need.
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