Gather, Create & Share – Locally: 2011 New York Hall of Science Farmers Market Opens

Press Release

Gather, Create & Share – Locally: 2011 New York Hall of Science Farmers Market Opens
6-13-11

The New York Hall of Science Farmers Market opens for its fifth season of delicious, locally grown food and vibrant, locally based atmosphere on Sunday, June 26. The Science Farmers Market is located at the New York Hall of Science on 111th Street and 46th Avenue in Queens, and is open Sundays from 10 am - 4 pm through November 13.

Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of produce from regional farms including Alex's Tomato Farm located in Carlisle, N.Y., J. Glebocki Farms from Goshen, N.Y., and Nextdoorganics located in North Scituate, R.I. In the summer you can choose from different kinds of berries such as strawberries and raspberries, as well as produce such as watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, tomatoes, greens and corn. When it turns to fall, farmers will bring autumn vegetables with robust flavors, including winter squash, tender chard, earthly carrots, and festive gourds and pumpkins.

"We love working with the New York Hall of Science at the Science Farmers Market because it is a perfect educational platform where NYSCI Explainers offer fun, hands-on activities related to food and healthy eating," says Miriam Haas, Director of Community Markets.

In collaboration with Urban Health Plan, the Science Farmers Market will accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food at the market. EBT is the electronic delivery method for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Stamp Program. SNAP is a federally funded program delivering monthly benefits to 28 million Americans nationwide. With the Science Farmers Market's participation, Queens Food Stamp recipients can increase their access to locally grown and locally produced food items. Eligible items include fruits, vegetables, honey, vegetable plants and potted herbs.

Community Markets has been at the forefront of sustainable food for two decades and continues to develop markets that most profoundly embody the term "local." Community Markets' 2011 season opens with a new catchphrase that applies to its shoppers, vendors and community partners alike: Gather. Create. Share. Locally.

A refreshed Community Markets website will launch in mid-summer, and will allow shoppers to check in to the local food scene 24/7. In addition to recipes and information on seasonal offerings, the website will feature farmer profiles, cooking tips, and information about the dynamic world of local food.

Community Markets is celebrating its 20th year of dedication to making each of their markets a place for community members to come together, relax, and be entertained and engaged with local food. For more information, visit www.communitymarkets.biz.