Not exactly a Woodside event, but it was great to see several hundred people turn out
for the second annual Queens Walk to End Alzheimers in Flushing Meadows. Saw a group representing Sunnyside, but none officially representing Woodside, perhaps that will change
next year.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Local Foods Availability, Is Woodside Falling Between Two Stools?
On returning from vacation, I was pleased to learn that our Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer was involved in setting up a new food program in the Queensbridge housing to allow for greater availability of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables. The situation in Long Island City was especially bad, as it often is in areas of low-income housing.
Here in Woodside we have several fruit and vegetable shops to choose from, not to mention supermarkets, and two excellent butchers, so at first glance there would seem little reason to be concerned. Yet, since moving here a year and half ago, I've been struck by the fact that the vibrant local food cultures in Jackson Heights and Sunnyside seem to be leaving Woodside behind. To be sure with green markets in both those locations, I can't say it would make sense to have a green market here in Woodside, and I have heard there is a Community Supported Agriculture program based at St. Jacobus at 72-01 43rd Ave, but that is hardly at the center of Woodside. Nor does it seem to be well publicized and I suspect I'm not alone in thinking we can do better.
It would be great if we didn't have to hop on the 7 train to get great locally produced foods. If you are a Woodsider, and you've never done so check out the Green Market in Sunnyside on Skillman Ave between 42nd and 43rd Streets on Saturdays June to December or the one in Jackson Heights on 34th Ave between 77th and 78th Streets, which is open Sundays year around to get a feel for what we are missing. It's not just locally grown fruits and vegetables, you can by meats and excellent locally caught fish, and even New York State wines but if you don't know about these outlets for great food it is easy to think there is no real need for to add to the diversity of quality food available in Woodside.
Here in Woodside we have several fruit and vegetable shops to choose from, not to mention supermarkets, and two excellent butchers, so at first glance there would seem little reason to be concerned. Yet, since moving here a year and half ago, I've been struck by the fact that the vibrant local food cultures in Jackson Heights and Sunnyside seem to be leaving Woodside behind. To be sure with green markets in both those locations, I can't say it would make sense to have a green market here in Woodside, and I have heard there is a Community Supported Agriculture program based at St. Jacobus at 72-01 43rd Ave, but that is hardly at the center of Woodside. Nor does it seem to be well publicized and I suspect I'm not alone in thinking we can do better.
It would be great if we didn't have to hop on the 7 train to get great locally produced foods. If you are a Woodsider, and you've never done so check out the Green Market in Sunnyside on Skillman Ave between 42nd and 43rd Streets on Saturdays June to December or the one in Jackson Heights on 34th Ave between 77th and 78th Streets, which is open Sundays year around to get a feel for what we are missing. It's not just locally grown fruits and vegetables, you can by meats and excellent locally caught fish, and even New York State wines but if you don't know about these outlets for great food it is easy to think there is no real need for to add to the diversity of quality food available in Woodside.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)