Brooklyn Goes Green At Farmer's Market And Community Centers

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representative Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) announced today $67,754 in federal funding to help Brooklyn's United Community Centers draw more residents towards organic, locally grown produce and to encourage better nutrition for at-risk women and children. Funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It's important to keep Brooklyn communities green and healthy," Senator Gillibrand said. "Federal funding for East New York Farmers Market and United Community Centers will grow Brooklyn's agriculture economy and bring fresh, local food to Brooklyn families."

"The East New York Farmers' Market has always been a popular hometown venue to find locally grown produce and other products made right here in New York State," said Representative Towns. "As one of the most densely populated cities in the nation, I am pleased the Department of Agriculture is investing in our community by promoting healthy lifestyle alternatives and ensuring that fresh, organic produce is readily available."

The East New York Farmers Market - the only market in East New York that provides local and organic produce, as well as Caribbean specialty crops - will receive funding to attract more shoppers to its Saturday market. The farmers market, one of the oldest of a growing number of markets, involves 23 local gardeners, 3 regional farmers, and 11 local vendors.

The federal grant will also give the United Community Centers (UCC), an organization which partners with East New York Farms!, the resources to promote healthy nutrition for at-risk women and children. Founded by residents of local housing projects, UCC encourages East New York neighbors to build a safer neighborhood and higher quality of life.

Senator Gillibrand is the first New York Senator to sit on the Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. She is taking a leading role to improve child nutrition and combat child obesity by giving children and families more access to fresh fruits and vegetables grown here in New York. Click here for more on the Senator's plan to combat childhood obesity.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Food Security, Futures and Derivatives, and General Legislation, Senator Gillibrand works on nutrition and food assistance and hunger prevention; organic agriculture; futures, options and derivatives; pesticides; and general legislation.

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