Residents attended an eagerly awaited grand opening for a new farmer's market in the Goldsboro community Friday afternoon.
- Community considered a "food desert" for fresh food access
- Fresh foods needed to help lower high rates of diabetes, heart disease in area
- Market will be open every Friday at Westside Community Center from 2-6 p.m.
Health officials joined community leaders to open the market because the community is considered a “food desert,” with minimal access to fresh food.
Valerie Wilson-Washington said her mother taught her to eat healthy food.
“It’s something my mom instilled in me and I want to make sure that carries on to my children as well,” said Wilson-Washington.
But living in Goldsboro, Wilson-Washington said that’s not easy.
“Honestly, it’s kind of frustrating,” said Wilson-Washington. “You always want what’s best for your kids. You get to the grocery store, but it’s a ways out, you can’t just walk to the grocery store from the Goldsboro community.”
Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County say there’s little access to fresh fruits and vegetables in the Goldsboro community. More access to those foods, they insist, is needed in order to help reduce high rates of diabetes and heart disease in the area.
“So by having access, and helping the community to understand what it is to eat a healthy diet, that will improve the incidents of heart disease and diabetes,” said Donna Walsh, acting Seminole County Health Officer.
Valerie said she plans to shop at the farmers market every Friday, and she’ll be bringing her children with her.
“They’re calling out the different vegetables, the different fruits, so it lets me know they’re learning something and not just eating it and enjoying it,” said Wilson-Washington.
The Goldsboro Farmer's Market will be open every Friday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westside Community Center in Sanford.