Find out a little more about a block, a building, the city—maybe even your neighbors—when you get your daily SmartMatch recommendations.

Grow Locally, Eat Locally
“Greenmarkets” have existed in New York City for over 30 years. From twelve farmers in an empty lot in 1976, Greenmarket has grown to become part of the essence of city neighborhoods even as those neighborhoods change.

What are Greenmarkets?
The name Greenmarket refers to Greenmarket organization, part of the Mayor’s Office Council on the Environment of New York City. Unlike some other food stalls and street carts, Greenmarket produce must meet rigorous standards.

What’s so good about them?
They provide nutritious fresh produce to areas of the city that are often lacking it. Local food tastes better and is more nutritious. Crops are picked at their peak and taste and nutrients aren’t lost in travel time. Greenmarkets help unite the neighborhood as a community, sometimes becoming unofficial “town squares.” A trip to the Greenmarket provides an opportunity to teach kids about where food comes from and why freshness matters. Celebrated restaurants and chefs consider the city’s Greenmarkets a regular resource for fresh food for their tables. Greenmarkets have introduced New Yorkers to more unusual varieties of produce (purslane, anyone?). And, of course, they keep local growers in business.

When and Where?
At last count the city hosts 46 official Greenmarkets—27 of them in Manhattan— throughout 5 boroughs. Check www.ceync.org/greenmarkets for a location map. Some are year-round, while others run only during peak months. Check www.cenyc.org/greenmarket/whatsavailable to find out what produce is currently available and in season.

Aren’t Greenmarket products more expensive?
The organization is constantly working on ways to provide affordable nutritional options to neighborhoods and individuals that may have lacked them before. This includes programs for accepting Food Stamp/EBT cards and credit cards as well as nutritional outreach. And they’ve made it easy to get fresh items without leaving the city.

Highlight:
The Greenmarket at Union Square is internationally known for its staggering collection of edible offerings. The Union Square Greenmarket was also instrumental in transforming the neighborhood from its long-ago state as a dangerous drug-riddled streetscape.