FORT GREENE — The Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand returns for its third year on July 11, making affordable farm-fresh produce available in Fort Greene.
The stand is open every Wednesday from 4 p.m. tp 7 p.m.
And this year the location has changed along with increased food options. Now on Myrtle and North Portland avenues, outside the Walt Whitman public housing and across the street from Fort Greene Park, the stands will not only be selling produce but also maple syrup, honey, and fresh fruit juices.
On opening day everyone gets discounted rates, seniors get deals on the third Wednesday of the month and the stands accept EBT cards and WIC checks, according to a press release announcing the opening.
Fresh local fruit at affordable prices is one of the goals of the Myrtle East Fresh Initiative run by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project, which organizes the stands.
The produce is all grown by New York state farmers, said Kassy Nystrom, Program Manager of Food Access Initiatives.
Three youth managers, two from the Ingersoll Houses, will run the stand, she said.
“There were a lot of applicants,” Nystrom said. “But it was very important for us to hire youth who live as close as possible to the neighborhood.”
This year, unlike past years, the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand has partnered with the Willoughby Senior Center inside the Whitman Houses with the hope of engaging more seniors in healthy eating programs.
"Food is a great way to bring people together,” said Dominique Bryant, Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand manager in a press release. “Come out and meet your neighbors, support a great community initiative that provides local jobs, and buy healthy and affordable food for your family!"
