Empire State Review Team 
GrowNYC announced today that its popular Greenmarket program will expand to 15 new locations across the five boroughs, bringing fresh, locally grown produce to more neighborhoods. The expansion, funded by a $5 million city grant, aims to address food insecurity and support small farmers in the region.
The new markets will be located in areas with limited access to fresh food, including the South Bronx, Brownsville, and Far Rockaway. “This is about giving every New Yorker access to healthy, affordable food,” said GrowNYC President Marcel Van Ooyen at a ribbon-cutting event in the Bronx.
The expansion also includes cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops, and partnerships with local schools to teach students about healthy eating. “Food is medicine, and these markets are a way to nourish our communities,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan.
Vendors and customers alike welcomed the announcement. “These markets are a lifeline for us,” said Maria Lopez, a farmer from upstate New York. “They allow us to reach new customers and share the fruits of our labor.”
The new locations will operate weekly through November, with plans to reopen in the spring. The city is also exploring ways to integrate digital payment options and expand SNAP benefits to cover more items at the markets.
