Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #07-100
Contact: Seth Solomonow (212) 442-7033
Greenmarket Opens at Staten Island Ferry Terminal
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Council on the Environment of New York City today announced the opening of a Greenmarket in the Staten Island Ferry terminal at Whitehall, bringing family farm-fresh produce and shopping convenience to the tens of thousands of daily commuters who pass through the terminal daily.
Every Tuesday year-round, farmer Fred Wilklow will sell a wide variety of foods from his farm, Wilklow Orchards, outside of New Paltz, N.Y. His offerings include fresh apples and hot and cold cider, winter squash, beef and pork, homemade jams, candy and caramel apples, and fresh home-cooked goods-including donuts and muffins.
“In Fred's farm, the Staten Island Ferry and this terminal found made a perfect match,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, Transportation Commissioner. “This market will transform this in-between place on Whitehall terminal's concourse from a space that people rush through into a place where they are invited to slow down and interact with the one another-and stock up on healthful produce and wholesome staples.”
Wilklow's fresh farm foods will be available to Staten Islanders and tourists passing through the terminals, as well as to any Battery Park-area workers and residents. Shoppers can use credit cards to make their purchases and the market will also accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).
"We're looking forward to it," said Fred Wilklow, who has been selling his homegrown crops at Greenmarket locations since 1984, mostly in Brooklyn. "We'll be bringing 15 varieties of apples. The season is turning toward fall and cold-weather items, but springtime fruits and vegetables are just around the corner."
Marcel VanOoyen, Executive Director of the Council on the Environment of New York City, which operates the city's Greenmarkets, said, "When local farmers sell their fresh, local foods to New Yorkers, it's a win-win."
Greenmarket Director Michael Hurwitz added: "I think this is a great partnership with the Department of Transportation that bridges our mutual mission of bringing the highest quality resources to New York City residents."
Greenmarket, a program of the Council on the Environment of NYC, promotes regional agriculture and ensures a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for New Yorkers. Greenmarket supports farmers and preserves farmland for the future by providing regional small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products to New Yorkers. www.cenyc.org
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