Sanford, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) invites the community to the grand opening of the Goldsboro Farmers Market.  The Farmers Market will begin Friday, December 2^nd with a grand opening from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Westside Community Center, 919 S. Persimmon Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771, and will continue services every Friday.

“One of the factors that plays a role in unhealthy weight is the environment which is a very promising area for prevention. Through the establishment of the Goldsboro Farmers Market, we are aiming to increase opportunities for residents to conveniently purchase nutritious foods,” said Stephanie Fyock, Healthiest Weight Florida Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

A number of factors determine what people eat, but access to healthy food and beverages has a major influence. Finding healthy food is not always convenient. The Farmers Market was created to increase access to fresh healthy foods in a community that has been designated by the USDA as a food desert.  “The Farmers Market in Goldsboro is truly a blessing for the community as we work to improve the quality of life in Goldsboro”, shared Mr. Vernon McQueen, Chairman of the Goldsboro Front Porch Council.

The market, supported through funds from the Orlando Health Community Grant Program, is coordinated by the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County in partnership with the Goldsboro Front Porch, Inc. and City of Sanford. “We are thrilled to be supporting such a unique program. What’s most remarkable about this initiative is that every generation from the Goldsboro community will benefit from the Farmer’s Market,” said Lainie Fox Ackerman, Director of Community Benefit at Orlando Health.

 “We are very excited about all the wonderful opportunities taking place in the City of Sanford and the Goldsboro Community to encourage healthy living. The Farmers Market is another way for families to have access to healthy fruits and vegetables and help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease,” said Donna Walsh acting health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.   

For more information about the Goldsboro Farmers Market contact Venise White, Community Programs Manager, in the Office of Health Promotion and Education at 407 665-3008.  Farmers Market updates will be posted at the Healthy Seminole County Facebook page.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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