COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

Columbus Public Health brings Fresh Produce to Near East Side
Signature Farmers’ Markets Protect Health and Improve Lives

Ohio growers will offer a colorful variety of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at Columbus Public Health’s 8th Annual Farmers’ Markets. The markets will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 2, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 on the front lawn of Columbus Public Health’s Near East Side campus at 240 Parsons Ave.

The Farmers’ Markets will officially open with a kick-off ceremony at 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 2.  Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus City Council Member Priscilla Tyson, and Columbus Public Health Medical Director and Assistant Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Williams Roberts will join other community leaders, neighborhood residents and local farmers for brief comments and a ribbon cutting.

“Too many hard working families do not have access to the healthy and fresh produce they need to maintain a healthy weight, says Mayor Coleman.  Farmers Markets like this one are a win-win for residents who can get fresh produce right in their own neighborhoods and local growers who can sell more of their products.”

The markets are open to neighborhood residents, the general public and participants of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program and the Ohio Direction Card. 

“Our Farmers’ Markets help us fulfill our mission of protecting health and improving lives,” says Dr. Williams Roberts.  “Fresh produce helps prevent obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.”

The Farmers’ Markets are expected to draw thousands of community members and participants.  Last year, more than 10,000 people attended.    

For more information, visit Columbus Public Health at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or on Facebook.

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