New CSA Program Introduced to Bronx Seniors
The Bronx welcomes accessible healthy food for its most seasoned residents.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. launched a new Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative this past Wednesday. Seniors can be eligible to receive four to six pounds of locally grown produce delivered once a week.
“This new program is an extension of La Canasta, a food buying club in The Bronx, founded by the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center,” said Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center Director Heidi Haynes. “The affordable produce will be distributed by local senior centers all over the borough.”
The bags are $8.00 and can be paid with cash or EBT. Five senior centers are currently enrolled as distributors, with 58 confirmed deliveries as of kick-off on Wednesday. Qualifying seniors must place their orders a week in advance at an affiliated senior center.
“Many of the elderly in our borough are on fixed incomes, and the intense heat of the summer months can make mobility difficult,” said Borough President Diaz. “I want to do everything I can to reduce the barriers to food access.”
The initiative is a part of the growing movement for a healthier and more sustainable Bronx, #Not62. As per a recent study, the borough is currently the unhealthiest county in New York State. Making it number 62 on the list. Community leaders and residents are taking action to change that statistic.
“We want to create a movement to change personal habits, policies and an unjust food system,” said Haynes. “It will take a huge effort to transform the system and build a healthy environment, but we believe that the people of the Bronx are up for the challenge.”
The challenge spans generations of Bronxites. Stephen Ritz, educator and founder of Green Bronx Machine, teaches healthy and sustainable living to young students in the South Bronx. He summed up the general sentiment, “Nothing thrills me more than to see the influx of healthy, fresh, local, affordable food into our Bronx community!”
If you are interested in having this program come to a senior center near you, please contact Paula Richter, Director of Health and Human Services of the Bronx Borough President’s Office.
For more information on the #not62 initiative check out the Bronx Brough President’s Office website
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