youthmarket
New for 2011: The Healthy Communities Initative is proud to annouce sponsorship of a second site in Kingsbridge Heights! This is the third Youthmarket serving Bronx Community Board 8 residents. Details available June 2011.
Marble Hill Youthmarket:
Marble Hill is disproportionately affected by obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Social determinants also shape health status – one third of incomes fall below the federal poverty level. In a city where 1.5 of 5 residents visited an emergency pantry in 2009, Youthmarket plays is vital part in ensuring access to affordable healthful food.
Youthmarket, an innovative program of nonprofit GrowNYC, is a network of urban farm stand operated by teen entrepreneurs bringing fresh produce into communities. The Marble Hill market offers weekly free health services, cooking demonstrations, and deliveries to home-bound residents. In addition, the market generates revenue for regional Greenmarket farmers. All of our services are provided in both English and Spanish.
This year the market moved thousands of pounds fresh of produce. SNAP/EBT (food stamps) and cash value vouchers (WIC and SFNP) were ~50% of total revenue; 360 customers monitored their blood pressure, and many received continuing health services resulting from screenings; four youth interns passed job readiness coursework and continued employment. This season the market delivered unsold produce to POTS food pantry, Marble Hill Pre-K, and Marble Hill Community Center. Unsalvageable produce was turned into organic compost for the Van Cortlandt Park Community Garden. Youth interns worked mornings in the garden allowing them to understand the local food system from seedlings to sales.
Additionally, the Marble Hill Youthmarket piloted new program in 2010 encouraging the foundations of an intergenerational market through senior participation. In its pilot phase, the initiative partnered with 5 influential members to expand outreach and education to the community by raising awareness of the market’s presence and the importance of a healthy diet. Partnership was a great success and provided direction for the future of the market. We sincerely thank our volunteers!
Visit the Youthmarket every Thursday between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm in the months of July through October. It is located on West 225th Street at the Riverview Target Center.
