Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY Offers Farmer’s Markets, Nutrition Classes as Part of Vitagrant

Catholic Charities USA
Monday, 14 July 2003

The Max Nuts project, a two-pronged approach to promoting good nutrition among historically underserved groups, is under way at Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY. Max Nuts, short for maximum nutrition, is funded by a Vitagrant made available through a settlement received by New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

Kathleen Pharris, Catholic Charities director of adult and child day services, is coordinating the programs provided by the grant.

"In collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County and their community nutrition program, we will offer mini farmer's markets at three Buffalo sites. and sponsor hands-on, nutrition and cooking classes for adults and children," Ms. Pharris said.

"The farmer's markets will feature fresh fruits and vegetables direct from farmer to consumer. Also, information on nutrition from Cooperative Extension and on Catholic Charities' services will be available," she added.

The farmer's markets will be held at Catholic Charities neighborhood office located at 170 Fulton St. (off Louisiana Street), and at two of Delta Development's senior housing sites, St. Clare Apartments, 2787 Main St. (former St. Francis Hospital), and Timon Towers, 1015 Delaware Ave. (corner of Utica Street).

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the markets will be held rain or shine. WIC farmer's market coupons will be accepted. Food stamp approval is pending.

Scheduled dates are:

170 Fulton St. – Thursdays, July 17 and 31, Aug. 7, 21, Sept. 4 and 18. Weather permitting date for October is Oct. 9.
St. Clare Apartments – Wednesdays July 23, Aug. 13, Sept. 3 and 17, and Thursday, Aug. 28. October weather permitting date is Oct. 1.
Timon Towers – Tuesdays, July 22, Aug. 12 and 26, Sept. 9 and 23. Weather permitting date for October is Oct. 7.

"We also are conducting nutrition education classes at the Fulton Street and Rich Street sites," Ms. Pharris said. "The classes include cooking sessions where participants learn how to properly prepare food nutritionally on a budget."

"These produce stands and educational sessions will help to fill a void for nutrition awareness and access to fresh, nutritious foods in our city's neighborhoods," said Rev. Joseph J. Sicari, Catholic Charities diocesan director. "Catholic Charities is pleased to be able to collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension to make this possible."

At Fulton Street, two groups of adults already completed the first eight-week educational session and another session will begin in the fall. At both Fulton and Rich Streets, school-age children will be involved in a similar hands-on program learning how to cook nutritious snacks. Students attending the summer program at Holy Innocents Child Care Center on Rich Street already have begun their classes.

For more information on the farmer's markets or classes, call 856-4494, ext. 3014.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY is the largest direct human service provider in Western New York, reaching all eight counties with 65 locations. Founded in 1923 as the human service arm of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Catholic Charities also provides comprehensive counseling services for children and families, anti-domestic violence programming and emergency services, among other social and mental health services. For more information on Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY, call (716) 856-4494 or visit www.ccwny.org.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Charities USA, see their website at: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org