New Crown Heights Farmers Market Looks to Ease Community Tensions

A new farmers market in Crown Heights is hoping to foster unity amongst all community members as the neighborhood marks the 20th anniversary of the Crown Heights riots.

As first reported by NY1, Seeds in the Middle, a grassroots organization, will run the Crown Heights Farmers Market every Thursday from 1:30pm until sundown. The market runs until November 10.

"With the 20th anniversary, it just seemed very poignant to try and do something that had some element of building communiy and peace between the two people," said Nancy Katz, founder of Seeds in the Middle.

Under one of Governor Cuomo's new initiatives, the Crown Heights Farmers Market is one of 19 green markets to open in the city this year. The market brings fresh fruits, vegetables and produce into the neighborhood on a weekly basis.

"Despite whatever our differences are, we all have an interest and goal in mind to take care of our families with good, nutritional food," said Crown Heights resident Natasha Smith, who also manages the market.

All of the produce from the market is grown in Iona Hills, NJ. In order for the market to be accessible to everyone in the community, they will accept EBT, WIC, SNAP and FMNP