GrowNYC, the organization in charge of many city green markets, knows that fewer people like to shop for veggies in the winter, preferring instead to sit inside, watch football and eat fried chicken. So they’re trying to spur demand with a “Winter Warrior” program.
You can get an unnamed gift if you buy fruits and vegetables at least 10 times through March 31 at markets including the one on 97th street (open Fridays), in Tucker Square at 66th (Tuesday and Thursday), up on Broadway next to Columbia (Thursday and Sunday) and the one on 79th and Columbus (Sundays).
Here’s the release they sent:
This season GrowNYC’s participating Greenmarkets will reward Winter Warriors: frequent shoppers who bundle up and venture out in snow and cold to support their farmers at least ten times before March 31 will receive a special thank-you prize.
The rules are simple. Customers ask for a Winter Warrior card at the GrowNYC information tent at their participating neighborhood Greenmarket. Each time they visit the market, staff at the info tent will punch their card. Once they’ve earned ten punches, they receive a market prize as a token of our gratitude.
“Twenty-three Greenmarkets – more than ever before – are open this winter,” stated Michael Hurwitz, Director of Greenmarket. “We want to thank New Yorkers who support their farmers all winter long. More farmers are growing fresh greens in the cold thanks to innovations in agriculture, and what better time of year to stock up on cheese, jam, bread, and meat?” EBT/Food Stamps are accepted at 21 of the 23 year-round markets.
Farmers market shoppers who enjoy venturing out of their neighborhood (even in the cold) will be glad to know that Winter Warrior cards can be stamped at any participating GrowNYC Greenmarket. Prizes will vary by market.
Participating Greenmarkets (all accept EBT):
Manhattan: West 97th Street Friday, East 82nd Street Saturday, West 79th Street Sunday, Abingdon Square Saturday, Columbia Thursday & Sunday, Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Wednesday, Inwood Saturday, Tompkins Square Park Sunday, Tribeca Saturday, Tucker Square Thursday & Saturday, Union Square Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat
Brooklyn: Brooklyn Borough Hall Saturday, Carroll Gardens Sunday, Cortelyou Sunday, Fort Greene Park Saturday, Grand Army Plaza Saturday, Greenpoint/McCarren Park Saturday
Queens: Forest Hills Sunday, Jackson Heights Sunday
For a list of markets that are open year-round: www.grownyc.org/greenmarket/
ourmarkets
