Sustainable Blog Edition #35.
Let’s face it, it is not easy to have a sustainable lifestyle while living in a big city. It is up to you to seek out sustainable practices that you can incorporate into everyday life. The farm-to-table movement is an easy way to support local agriculture and sustainable consumption both at home and around the city. Farm-to-table focuses on building a direct relationship between the food producer and the consumer (you, or a restaurant).
Direct food consumption is a win-win for all parties involved. The system establishes food traceability, you are able to know exactly when and where a product originates. Additionally, the food is fresher, many produce lose the majority of their nutrients 24-hours after being harvested. For many restaurants it is also preferable as these fresher foods tend to hold better flavor. Last but not least, it ensures the food producer is getting fair pay for the cost of the produce, and cuts out a middle man corporation.
Luckily, New York City has an amazing network of farmers markets and dozens of farm-to-table restaurants you can dine at.
Farmers Markets
Manhattan:
- Union Square Greenmarket
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 8am – 6pm, year round
Location: Union Square Park
- Chelsea Down to Earth Farmers Market
Hours: 9am – 3pm, Saturdays, mid-May to mid-December
Location: West 23rd Street near 9th Avenue
Hours: Saturdays, 8am – 3pm year round
Location: Isham Street between Seaman Avenue & Cooper Street
Hours: 8am – 3pm, Sundays year-round
Location: Avenue A & Tompkins Square, E 7th Street
Hours: Sundays 9am – 4pm, year-round
Location: Columbus Avenue between 77th and 79th Street
- Abingdon Square Greenmarket
Hours: Saturdays 8am – 2pm, year-round
Location: Hudson Street & West 12th
Brooklyn:
- Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Hours: Saturday 8am – 3pm, year round
Location: Prospect Park West & Flatbush Avenue
Hours: 8am – 3pm, Saturdays year round
Location: Washington Park & Dekalb Ave
Hours: Sundays, 10am – 3pm, year-round
Location: Park Slope, 5th Avenue at 4th Street
Queens:
- Jackson Heights Greenmarket
Hours: Sunday 8am – 2pm, year-round
Location: 34th Ave between 79th & 80th Street
Hours: Saturdays: 8am – 2pm, January–April; 8am – 3pm, May–December
Location: Skillman Avenue, between 42nd and 43rd Street
Best Farm-To-Table Restaurants in NYC:
