New York City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo, along with NYS Assembly Member Diana Richardson, Rep. Yvette Clarke, State Senator Jesse Hamilton and other elected officials, in partnership with City Harvest announced on Tuesday the launch of a free Community Partner Mobile Market that will provide 6,000 pounds of fresh produce for free to more than 300 families in the neighborhoods of Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts-Gardens in Brooklyn every first Tuesday of month.
In September, City Harvest partnered with the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP) to establish the Market in Fort Greene to serve the residents of neighboring Farragut, Raymond V. Ingersoll and Walt Whitman housing developments.
An estimated 8,000 pounds of fresh produce was distributed to nearly 400 households, far surpassing the initial 350 pre-registered households.
Cumbo said the mobile market's arrival is timely, as many families in Brooklyn continue to struggle to make ends meet. The newly-established Market in Crown Heights represents an expansion of resources within the 35th Council District that will particularly benefit women, children, the unemployed, underemployed, and seniors on a fixed income.
"The ability to provide for one, or several, is demanding; people from all walks of life and backgrounds are in desperate financial need. Dollars are stretched in miraculous ways, but sadly rent payment, living expense, utilities and transportation costs keep rising," said Cumbo.
Through collaboration with the Ebbets Field Intergenerational Center and Crown Heights Youth Collective, Inc., the residents will not have to travel beyond their community to pick up the variety of food that will be delivered on a monthly basis.
"Supporting access to healthy food for all our neighbors is exactly what this Community Partner Mobile Market is all about. I am glad to join with colleagues and community groups in this important effort. Thanks to each and every partner in this mobile market, especially City Harvest, the Ebbets Field Intergenerational Center, and the Crown Heights Youth Collective — this mobile market continues your longstanding history of service to our community and all of New York," said Sen. Hamilton.
"The mobile market is providing a tremendous benefit to our families, in the hopes of making ends meet, just a little easier. We are grateful to have such a resource that can be enjoyed by so many people that call our district home," Cumbo said.
