QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — If you’re interested in farm-to-table dining, you’re in luck!
Several farmers markets have opened around the city, including one just outside Elmhurst Hospital.
The market is run by GrowNYC, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability and environmental solutions, and operates markets at 25 locations across the city year-round.
The other 20, like the Elmhurst store, are open from summer through November.
“Vendors can only sell what they raise, catch, grow or grill within 250 miles of the city,” says Andrina Sanchez of GROWNYC.
Most of the food is harvested the day before it goes on sale, according to the organization. “We’re encouraging local farmers, protecting farmland in the Northeast, and providing New Yorkers with the freshest, most affordable produce.”
Anthony Gordon, a farmer at Terhune Orchard in Salt Point, New York, said there are plenty of reasons to shop local.
“We allow it time to grow so when it gets here it tastes how you expect the fruit to taste. Most fruit you see in the supermarkets has loads of chemicals on it but as small farmers we do our best to keep spraying to a minimum,” Gordon said.
Elmhurst resident Perez Colomba shops at her local farmers market as often as she can. “I love it here. It’s fresh! That’s why I come here.”
Many of these consumers say supporting local farmers is a priority.
Natalia Nizhnik works in the area. “They work really hard. It’s not easy working in the fields in the hot summer.”
This Elmhurst Greenmarket is open every Tuesday from 8am to 3pm and will be open through November.
