Four in 10 Bronx residents say they have trouble finding fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables, according to the New York City Department of Health.
But that is about to change with the opening of a Green Market in Poe Park at East 192nd Street and Concourse Avenue, where shoppers are getting more paying options than ever before.
In the past, farmers who sold their fresh zucchini, carrots and onions at Green Markets around the city used to accept only cash. But this summer, the policy has changed.
?Anyone with food stamps can come here, swipe their card and buy fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price for themselves and their families,? says New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
Green Markets are also accepting WIC, giving mothers healthier options for their children.
With food prices on the rise, the health department is also providing community groups with food coupons, which are distributed to local residents.
?With the coupon, you can come to the farmers? market and get two bucks worth of produce,? says Jane Bedell, of the DOH.
The Poe market is open every Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., until November.
GreenMarkets in NYCHealth Bucks: NYC DOHMH