When fresh, regionally grown produce comes right to the doorstep of your local hospital, you have no excuse not to follow your doctor’s orders to eat a healthy diet. Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) celebrated the opening of a GrowNYC Greenmarket on hospital grounds last Tuesday with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony.

“We are on the front lines of fighting diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses linked to diet,” said EHC Executive Director Chris Constantino, “so we are thrilled to have the market here to provide reasonably-priced, healthier options for our patients and employees.”

GrowNYC’s Greenmarket program enables local farmers to bring their fresh produce to city residents in all five boroughs. Councilman Daniel Dromm was on hand to welcome the farmer’s market to his district after successfully lobbying with EHC’s Community Advisory Board for a hospital-based market.

“The Greenmarket is a fantastic addition to this community,” said Dromm. “Just walking up the street on the way over here I could smell the fresh vegetables and I think that's wonderful.”

Vendors at the EHC Greenmarket have available for purchase a selection of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh cuts of meat and baked goods. Forms of payment accepted are cash, credit cards, debit cards, EBT, WIC, and Senior FMNP checks.

The Greenmarket will be open for business every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside the EHC building on 41st Avenue (between 80th and 81st Streets). For more information, visit www.grownyc.org/greenmarket.