Providing the community with resources to improve health and wellness has always been a priority at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Our commitment to the health of the community isn’t limited just to treating people when they get sick, but it also includes offering prevention and wellness initiatives to keep them healthy,” shared Ann Corrigan, Director of Planning in a Patch News interview. https://patch.com/new-york/jamaica/queens-farm-launches-produce-market-jamaica-hospital.
This commitment to improving community health prompted the hospital to partner with the Queens County Farm Museum to bring a farmers’ market to the area. “Our focus was to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our neighborhood because research indicates there are a limited supply and access to these healthy foods,” said Corrigan.
A recent report released by New York City’s Public Health Solutions revealed, “there is a major gap in access to healthy food across three Queens neighborhoods.” These areas include Jackson Heights, Corona and Jamaica. “We have a lot of fast foods. We have a lot of bodegas that don’t have fresh produce but very few supermarkets with fresh produce so it’s critical for the health of this community,” Corrigan shared in a statement to NY1 News. https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2019/06/21/farmer-s-market-hosted-at-jamaica-hospital-medical-center#
Bringing a farmers’ market to the community allows Jamaica Hospital to help bridge that gap. To further increase accessibility, the hospital ensured that the locally- grown produce was affordable for all. The market accepts several nutrition assistance programs including WIC, SNAP/EBT, and Fresh Connect Checks.
In addition to providing fresh produce, Jamaica Hospital’s Farmers’ Market offers live cooking demonstrations to show shoppers how they can prepare healthy meals using fruits and vegetables. The demonstrations are facilitated by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
To further promote overall wellness, shoppers are also provided smoking cessation education, blood pressure and dental screenings from the hospital’s Dental, Patient Navigation and EMS departments.
“We will be operating the market now through November 14th and we encourage everyone to attend,” said Corrigan. Jamaica Hospital’s Farmers’ Market is open to the community every Thursday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 134-20 Jamaica Avenue.