Aurora's farmers market focusing on nutrition needs of poor, minorities

Bolstered by a $100,000 federal grant, Aurora plans to educate low-income and minority residents about the value of the city's farmers markets.

The city council accepted the grant Tuesday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and will use the money primarily for community outreach to the poor and minorities struggling with health problems, including obesity and diabetes, caused by poor nutrition, said John Russell, the city's grant writer.

Dale Hazlewood, farmers market manager and special events coordinator, said the funds allowed the farmers market to launch its own website, www.aurorasfarmersmarket.com, last week. It can be viewed in English or Spanish.

Last year's $30,000 grant gave families in the USDA's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/food stamps) $10 vouchers for children in a childhood obesity program, plus vouchers for $10 to spend at the farmers market for every $10 spent on other items.

Hazlewood said education is a vital component of the city's outreach plans.

"Some people have no idea how to cook some of the offerings at the market," he said. "And if there's a language barrier, it can complicate access to the fruits and vegetables that are native here. Members of our Hispanic population that come from more tropical countries are used to cooking with avocados and mangos, but we don't grow those here. We want to introduce them to eggplant."

Hazlewood said the city will create videos in English and Spanish to promote healthy eating and using the SNAP vouchers.

An Aurora Downtown Market Preview is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, and will feature the Fox Valley Garden Club plant sale as well as "Tomato Day," during which children can pick up a free cherry tomato plant. "We are trying to inspire children to become gardeners," Hazlewood said. The market, at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway, will run June 11 through October 15.

Aurora sponsors two additional farmers markets: at West Aurora Plaza, 1901 W. Galena Blvd.; and at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 S. Eola Road.

Hazlewood said he also will be working on ways to draw residents to the market. "We're the oldest market in the state," he said. "We want to make it a destination. We want to help people change their eating habits."