Shoppers turn to local produce markets amid diarrhea-causing parasite
Cases of a diarrhea-causing parasite are on the rise across the country and federal officials are focused on lettuce as a source of the outbreak. Now many shoppers are turning to local markets.
More Stories
Dozens of shoppers line up at Bronxworks’s produce market on Grand Concourse to get fresh goods like onions, zucchini and peppers.
“I got peaches and tomatoes and garlic," said Nicole Steward, of Norwood.
“Everything here is really good, always fresh," Ivelisse Rivera, a shopper, said, "I normally get the Caesar salad.”
Lettuce was a hot commodity for shoppers despite it recently being linked to cases of the diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclospora. In fact, shoppers are flocking to the local market in response to the recent headlines.
“I know we're having a problem with the lettuce and all," River said, "but it hasn’t done anything to me. I figured what better place to get it than at the market."
“I trust the New York farms are aware and taking care of it,” said Steward.
The market gets its produce from Hudson Harvest and GrowNYC. The staff is reassuring customers who may have some concerns about buying their lettuce.
“We have advised everyone to continue buying our fresh produce," Bronxworks program coordinator Maria Mero said. "They're organic, and with every regulation, we do try to take some safety precautions."
The market also accepts Health Bucks, Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program checks, and EBT/SNAP benefits, an incentive for shoppers turning to fresh produce over a supermarket.
“We have our GusNIP promotion, which is spend $11 and we only charge them $1 on their EBT," Mero said. "I think that's a good opportunity for the community, especially with prices being high all around. It's a great advantage for them to come here.”
The BronxWorks Community Farm Stand is open every Thursday at 10 a.m. through November.
