Fruits and
vegetables purchased at the grocery store travel, on average, 1,500 miles
before they reach your plate. Buying local fruits and vegetables guarantees produce
is fresher and tastier. The Overcoming Obstacles to Food Access in Clinton
County Grant, funded through the NYS Health Foundation, has awarded eight local
farmers with mini-grants to create more opportunities for residents to buy and
eat local produce. These mini-grants
will help increase access to, and availability of, locally grown fruits and
vegetables. The money will be used to help farmers improve crop production,
increase the acceptance of nutrition benefits, encourage collaboration with
local entities, and grow the number of farm stand and market locations in the
region.
The following farmers submitted applications and were awarded money: Country Dreams Farm, Fledging Crow
Vegetables, Lamoy’s Produce and
Greenhouses, Oregano Flats Farm, Shady Grove Farm and Wellness Center, Shield’s
Vegetables, Souza’s Farm Stand, and Windy Hill Farm.
National Nutrition Month
is all about the importance of making healthy food choices. In order to make it
easier for you to get your 5 A Day, (5 servings of fruits and vegetables), the
Clinton County Health Department and local farmers are working hard to make produce
more plentiful, accessible, and affordable.
