By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Catholic Charities is working to promote healthier eating among the undeserved in Buffalo.
Mini farmers' markets will held at three different locations in an effort to offer fresh produce to some city residents.
Catholic Charities said a program called maximum nutrition - or "max nuts" for short - is a two-pronged program that promotes healthy eating.
It is funded by a Vitagrant. Funding for a project promotes good nutrition for the undeserved population.
Director of Catholic Charities adult and child day services, Kathleen Pharris, said the farmer's markets will feature fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pharris said the program helps to fill a void for nutrition awareness and access to fresh foods in city neighborhoods.
"Since we are such a wonderful place, as far as availability of fresh produce in the summer time, we came up with the idea of actually setting up farmer's markets, where the people that need the fresh produce the most wouldn't have to drive to get there," said Pharris.
Pharris said the program is part of a collaborative effort with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
The program will also offer cooking lessons and how to buy nutritional foods on a budget.
The farmer markets will be held at Catholic Charities offices at 170 Fulton Street, as well as the St. Clare Apartments on Main Street, and the Timon Towers on Delaware Avenue.
At the Fulton Street location, two groups already completed eight week education sessions on nutrition.