A greenmarket grows in Bensonhurst

The market, run by GrowNYC, will bring fresh, locally grown food produced and sold by regional farmers to Bensonhurst for the first time. Like other Greenmarkets in Brooklyn and around the city, vendors will offer fruits and veggies, plants, flowers, baked goods and fresh fish. Throughout the season, there will be cooking demonstrations, raffles and other family-friendly activities to make the market more than just another place to shop.

“That area lacks fruits and vegetables. There are a lot of homes and apartment houses up and down those blocks. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work out,” said long-time Bensonhurst resident Natalie DiNicola. “Waldbaum’s [which is across the street] is very expensive for produce and a place like that will bring fresh fruits and vegetables to area residents who can’t get further down 18^th Avenue.”

“Wow - I love that idea! My family tries to eat as much organic as we can,” said Anna Cali, a Dyker Heights native and Bensonhurst resident. “A lot of stores are getting in organic products, but they are expensive. Hopefully the prices will be better. But I will definitely go take a ride on Sundays to check it out.”

Councilmember Vincent Gentile,who has been a big supporter of the greenmarkets, is planning a special opening day celebration.

“Whether you are a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, this is where the neighborhood will come to gather every weekend,” he said. “Now along with your fresh caught fish, baked goods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, you’ll have a common place where residents and new families can come and shop, share recipes and meet their neighbors.”

The market won’t just be about bringing home fresh foods. Those who frequent it will also be able to drop off their leftovers for composting, through GrowNYC’s food scrap collection program, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Greenmarket Sundays. No meat, chicken, fish, greasy food scraps, fat, oil, dairy, animal waste, litter or bedding, coal or charcoal, coconuts, diseased and/or insect-infested houseplants/soil or biodegradable/compostable plastics should be brought to the drop-off location.

WIC and FMNP checks will be accepted at individual farmer stands and EBT, food stamps, debit and credit cards will be accepted at the market information tent.

Milestone Park is located on 18^th Avenue, between 81^st and 82^nd Streets. For more information, visit http://www.grownyc.org/ourmarkets.