New Sunnyside Greenmarket opens

Attention vegetable lovers - fresh produce may literally be right around the corner.
The new Sunnyside Greenmarket, located at Torney Playground on Skillman Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets, was officially opened by Councilmember Eric Gioia on Saturday, July 7.
It is the fifth greenmarket in operation in Queens, and one of 44 in New York City.
Gioia worked with the Council on the Environment of New York City to bring together the vendors and helped choose an appropriate location.
Meghan Sherman, Gioia’s spokesperson, said that he wanted a greenmarket in the area because Sunnyside is a “very family-oriented neighborhood, and on a Saturday it is a perfect activity to be able to get fresh produce.”
Finding a location “is often the hardest thing,” Sherman commented, because it needs to be placed in an area where it will be “appreciated by the neighborhood,” but also not disrupt traffic. There also needs to be sufficient space for vendors to park their trucks.
Gioia, who grew up in Sunnyside, said that the market “is a valuable addition to our borough and neighborhood.
“Sunnyside is already a great place to live, work and raise a family,” he continued. “The Sunnyside Greenmarket will add to the health of the community.”
Gioia explained that the greenmarket, which provides fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and even wool, “enhances the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhood.” Farmers and fishermen from all over the tri-state area pay a small fee to set up at the Greenmarket, selling all kinds of seasonal produce.
The Sunnyside Greenmarket will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from July until November.