County Executive’s Column: 'Grown on Long Island' Campaign

Written by Thomas R. Suozzi Thursday, 14 May 2009 13:37

'Grown on Long Island' Campaign

Last month, I joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at Martin Viette Nurseries in East Norwich to kick off the “Grown on Long Island” campaign to promote the purchase of locally grown produce and horticulture items. Long Island is home to plenty of farmer’s markets, garden centers, farm stands, and wineries, giving all of us easy access to fresh local fruits, vegetables, jellies, juices, homemade baked foods, wines, and beautiful flowers, plants and other garden items.

Here in Nassau County, we have Restoration Farm, a 7-acre farm at Old Bethpage Village Restoration that is partially supported by members who pay in advance for weekly shares of fresh produce. Restoration Farm produces vegetables, flowers, and herbs using sustainable practices without the use of pesticides or chemicals, and beginning on June 20, the Restoration Farm Stand will be open every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. for purchase of fresh produce. We created the farm in 2007 as part of our “Healthy Nassau” campaign to make Nassau County the healthiest county in the country by sustaining a healthy environment and encouraging healthy living. For more information on Restoration Farm, please visit www.restorationfarm.com

The county also runs Farmers’ Markets at two locations from June to November. The Market at 101 County Seat Drive, in Garden City, is open on Tuesdays, and the second Market is at Christopher Morley Park, in Roslyn and is open on Wednesdays. Both start at 7 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. and both markets offer fresh produce – vegetables, fruits, juices, honey, jams, jellies, pickles, pies, and breads.

Buying locally means that you know exactly what you are getting because these products haven’t had to travel thousands of miles. At the same time we’re supporting our local farming community, which is the backbone of our economy. I encourage everyone to visit Restoration Farm and our Farmer’s Markets, and to participate in our Healthy Nassau Campaign. Whether it’s enjoying our Fitness Trail in Eisenhower Park, or joining our new Roosevelt Field Mall Walkers Club to exercise on those rainy days, there is something that everyone can do to live a healthy and more active lifestyle. For more information on our Healthy Nassau programs, please visit http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/healthynassau/index.html.