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Vegetable markets in Nashville food deserts
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The Veggie Project
Because of research by a Vanderbilt University student, Vanderbilt took action. The research addressed issues of childhood obesity, family nutrition and food security issues in four of Nashville's underserved communities. As a result, the Veggie Project was born. “The Veggie Project is about improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables in food desert neighborhoods while supporting local agricultural systems with the hopes of improving the obesity epidemic in Nashville,” said Liz Aleman of the Veggie Project. Now three years old, this unique project has grown to four locations and four days of markets weekly through August 7.
The project was originally comprised of two components, Nutrition Education and Veggie Markets. During 2008, the project expanded to include more programs. It is a learning experience for everyone. One opportunity is for children to help run the market. They are given challenges each week to learn the business behind the market. This week, they are learning about customer service and going above expectations. Plus, they win vouchers which “buy” them food at the market while they are learning.
The variety of food changes weekly, depending upon availability from the local farmers. Examples of food at the Veggie Project in last two weeks include beets, blackberries, cabbage, collard greens, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, jalapeno peppers, banana peppers, lettuce, green and white onions, peaches, potatoes, squash, strawberries, red and green tomatoes, turnip greens, zucchini, raspberries, cherries and carrots. For ideas on food preparation, the project offers the Super Shopper program, rewarding shoppers with vouchers for more food in return for recipes.
Due to the research, the Veggie Project targets four local neighborhoods considered food deserts. They are the Andrew Jackson, Preston Taylor, Antioch, and Wedgewood-Houston neighborhoods. The Veggie Project is open to the public and is free to enter.
North Nashville
Andrew Jackson Boys & Girls Club, 916 16th Ave. N., each FRIDAY from 3:00-5:00 p.m. until August 7th.
Antioch/South Nashville
Thompson Lane Boys & Girls Club, 5050 Blue Hole Road, each FRIDAY from 3:00-5:00 p.m. until August 7th.
Wedgewood-Houston/Vine Hill
Harvest Hands, 424 Humphreys Street, each THURSDAY from 3:30-5:30 p.m. until July 30th.
West Nashville
Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club, 915 38th Ave. N., each THURSDAY from 3:30-5:30 p.m. until July 23rd.
For more info: The Veggie Project
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