By MEGAN MONTALVO
At a time when junk food has become more affordable than the organic alternatives, it is no wonder that obesity and diabetes is on the rise, especially for low-income communities like the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City.
In an effort to combat the obesity epidemic on a local level, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) is taking up the task of developing easier access to fresh produce.
On Aug. 29, Van Bramer joined Marcel Van Ooyen, executive director of GrowNYC, and local residents to launch the borough’s first affordable farm fresh food program at the Queensbridge housing project, located at 10-06 41st Ave.
By allocating a total of $10,000 to GrowNYC, a hands-on nonprofit dedicated to improving the City’s environmental programs, Van Bramer hopes to open a new world of fresh eating opportunities for local residents.
“Access to healthy food options can be difficult for some residents to access in Western Queens, especially seniors,” Van Bramer said. “By bringing fresh fruits and vegetables directly into a community that needs, and wants them, our initiative is able to address a real need here in Queensbridge.”
Every week, staffers from GrowNYC will showcase the produce in front of the Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement House, located in the center of the housing complex.
Produce bags will be available for purchase at $10 each and will contain a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables selected from regional farms.
In addition to the fresh produce, the bags will also come with recipes and nutritional materials to help participants prepare food at home.
Residents on public assistance will be able use their EBT cards and Food Stamps to pay for the produce.
“The Queensbridge Food Box program is an innovative model that has enabled us to provide Queensbridge residents with a convenient source of fresh, locally-grown produce,” Van Ooyen said. “We are very grateful to Councilmember Van Bramer for his support of this important project.”
For more information about GrowNYC and the farm fresh food program, visit grownyc.org.
Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or [email protected]
