Friday, July 10, 2009

Sunset Park's Green Market Starts Saturday!

Having made the most amazingly fragrant and creamy and scrumptious guacamole recently using Mimomex cilantro (thanks, neighbor!), I'm really looking forward to seeing Mimomex Farm on Saturday. (I think they are referred to as Rodri-Mex in the information below.)

Last year's opening was not only beautiful but delicious. Be sure to get there early, and make sure to be assertive if you want fresh corn. Some Green Market attendees are very disrespectful of the produce. Many ears of corn have been tossed to the ground after not passing the "peel and check" test. The farmers get very irritated when people rip open the corn to check it. I can't blame them, but it is disappointing to get home and see some kernels missing from the top. If it's like last year, just ask one of the workers for corn from inside the truck. They have plenty.

According to an email from Yolanda Gonzalez, the seasonal EBT manager, we'll be seeing fish from Gill's Seafood this year. There are usually eggs and milk available as well, but you need to ask. You can read more here.

EBT, WIC and Farmer's Market Nutrition Program coupons are accepted. WIC participants who don't have FMNP should definitely ask for it. If you are denied, call 311 to report it. I heard about two instances last year where participants were told it was not meant for them. LIAR! Okay, I'll be generous. Misinformed employee. Eventually at least one of the women who was denied received the FMNP benefits.

from Yolanda Gonzalez' email (and the website linked to above):

Sunset Park Greenmarket:

Open since 2001 and set on a hill a stone’s throw from the upper New York Bay, this bustling market serves a predominantly Hispanic and Asian population with a bountiful variety of fresh local products including vegetables from two specialty Latino growers, Angel and Rodri-Mex Farms, not-to-be-missed peaches from Toigo Orchards, and an exciting new addition this year— fresh fish from Gill’s Seafood.

Location: Located on 4th Ave btw 59th & 60th Sts

Time: Open every Saturday, July-November, from 8am-3pm

EBT/Food Stamps Accepted. Many farmers also accept WIC & Senior FMNP Coupons.

Subway: N/R, to 59th Street

Bus: X27, X37
Yolanda Gonzalez
Seasonal EBT Market Manager

2 comments:

Krissa said...

How awesome! I'm ashamed to admit I didn't even know we had a greenmarket in our neighborhood. I'll definitely be there!

Sarah said...

I didn't know we had a Greenmarket either - I will definitely be checking this out. Thanks for the info!!