Highbridge, Bronx - This morning, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the La Familia Verde Market Highbridge for its highly anticipated second season. Located at the intersection of Plimpton Avenue and Edward L. Grant Highway in the vibrant Highbridge neighborhood, the 10 a.m. ceremony served as an unveiling of an expanded community space to serve the market’s growing number of shoppers, which included over 250 visitors on its opening day.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Council Member Althea Stevens joined lead partners, including Monsignor Donald Sakano from the Highbridge Community Development Corporation, Dr. Julie Gafney, Assistant Vice President of Fordham University and Executive Director of the Center for Community Engaged Learning and Aleyna Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center. Also in attendance were representatives from the Office of Mayor Eric Adams, the Office of Congress Member Ritchie Torres, the NYC Department of Health, the NYC Department of Aging, and various local non-profit organizations.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together a diverse range of participating organizations, including Bestcare, Inc., Essen Health, BridgeBuilders, Highbridge Community Development Corporation, 1199SEIU, NY Reach, Catholic Charities Community Services, Highbridge Voices, Bronx is Blooming, The Bronx is Reading, and Sacred Heart Elementary School. These representatives not only took part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting but also set up informational booths to engage with attendees throughout the event.

The La Familia Verde Market will operate every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until mid-November, ensuring convenient access to fresh produce and locally sourced goods for the Highbridge community.

Fordham University’s Center for Community Engaged Learning was awarded one of the 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant. This grant will enable the Highbridge Market to offer culinary demonstrations and education, providing attendees with free cookbooks and food to take home. This initiative complements the expansion of the farmers market and also includes a weekly resource fair, connecting residents with essential services tailored to older adults. Through these efforts, the market aims to foster intergenerational community building and create a neighborhood space that promotes unity and support.

The produce available at the market is sourced from two upstate farms as well as local community gardens. To facilitate easy transactions, the market accepts various forms of payment, including cash, EBT, WIC Coupons, FMNP Coupons, and Health Bucks.

The Highbridge La Familia Verde Market and its on-site programming are proudly sponsored by Fordham University-Center for Community Engaged Learning,  The Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center, The Highbridge Community Development Corporation, Bestcare, Inc., Essen Health, BridgeBuilders, The Bronx is Reading, 1199SEIU, and Catholic Charities Community Services.

The Highbridge Market originated last year through a collaborative effort between the community, Fordham University’s Center for Community Engaged Learning, The Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center and an undergraduate community engaged learning course titled "Ecology and Economics of Food Systems." Continuing the tradition, the market will benefit from ongoing support from undergraduate volunteers at the University.

Fordham's Center for Community Engaged Learning and our community collective Fordham in Community are committed to advancing real solutions in real time by partnering with frontline communities. We know that food insecurity is a pressing issue facing many Bronxites, especially older residents, and the best solutions bring local farmers and growers into community-led settings to get fresh fruits and vegetables on the table while avoiding the air pollution issues associated with long-haul providers. We are honored to serve as the convener for this market all season long in collaboration with the Mary Mitchell Center and La Familia Verde, Highbridge HCDC, AARP and our many other partners. We look forward to expanding this and other community-led initiatives throughout the Bronx.

Dr. Julie Gafney, Assistant Vice President of Fordham University and Executive Director of the Center for Community Engaged Learning highlighted that Fordham's Center for Community Engaged Learning and our community collective Fordham in Community are committed to advancing real solutions in real time by partnering with frontline communities. We know that food insecurity is a pressing issue facing many Bronxites, especially older residents, and the best solutions bring local farmers and growers into community-led settings to get fresh fruits and vegetables on the table while avoiding the air pollution issues associated with long-haul providers. We are honored to serve as the convener for this market all season long in collaboration with the Mary Mitchell Center and La Familia Verde, Highbridge HCDC, AARP and our many other partners. We look forward to expanding this and other community-led initiatives throughout the Bronx.

Mitch G. Mitchell, Vice President of Community Outreach and Business Development at Bestcare, Inc., expressed their commitment to the Highbridge community, stating, "As a proud sponsor of the 'La Familia Verde' farmers market, Bestcare Inc. is dedicated to serving the Highbridge community. We provide home healthcare services to community members and employment opportunities for those seeking caregiving roles. Together with our community partners, we aim to bring healthy foods and promote healthy living habits to the neighborhood. Our ongoing collaboration with the Highbridge Community Development Corporation allows us to cultivate a more sustainable approach in delivering these nutritious foods and beneficial healthcare services to the community."

Saraciea Fennell, founder of The Bronx is Reading, enthusiastically stated, "We are delighted to host our '(D.E.A.R.) Drop Everything And Read' With The Bronx is Reading' event at the market. We encourage Bronx residents to take a moment out of their busy day to sit and read. During the summer, young people often neglect their reading habits, so we hope to inspire individuals of all ages to read and become positive role models in the community."

For more photos and videos of the Highbridge La Familia Verde Farmer’s Market ribbon cutting, please follow this link.

About La Familia Verde:

La Familia Verde is a program of the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center. The program supports a network of farmers markets in the Bronx committed to providing fresh, locally sourced produce and goods to communities across the borough. Through their markets, La Familia Verde aims to enhance access to healthy food options, promote sustainable practices, and foster community engagement.

About Fordham University’s Center for Community Engaged Learning:

Fordham University's Center for Community Engaged Learning plays a pivotal role in bridging the university's campuses with neighboring communities, facilitating collaborative programming and educational opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and local community members.