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New farmers market in Richmond Hill opens, bringing farm-fresh produce to the neighborhood

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Photo Courtesy of Councilman Eric Ulrich’s Office

BY EMMA MILLER

Richmond Hill residents were able to purchase fresh, locally grown produce for the first time in their neighborhood on Sept. 8 at the Forest Park Youthmarket.

The market, sponsored by Councilman Eric Ulrich, was the first of its kind in Richmond Hill, featuring fruits and vegetables provided by farmers not too far from the city. Customers will receive a reusable bag with every purchase while supplies last.

“This is an overall win-win for the community. It will fill a crucial void in Richmond Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods, where residents previously had to travel great distances to buy fresh produce,” Ulrich said.

Simcha Waisman, president of the One Stop Richmond Hill Community Center, was very excited about the farmers market and said it was one of the greatest things to happen in the area recently.

“We are so happy to have a source of fresh produce, of fresh fruits and vegetables right here in Richmond Hill,” added Helen Day, vice president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

Day said that the community had been excitedly anticipating this event for a long time, which was apparent in Saturday’s turnout.

“The inaugural was a major success and speaks to the demand in Richmond Hill,” Ulrich said.

The Forest Park Youthmarket has partnered with GrowNYC to employ students from John Adams High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Kori Petrovic, Community Coordinator at GrowNYC, explained that they are able to hire students because of Councilman Ulrich’s funding.

“This will give the students the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and to earn some money during the fall,” Ulrich said.

The farmers market will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Nov. 17 at Forest Park near the Buddy Monument at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South.