New Fresh Produce Market Now Open On Buffalo’s Eastside

In cities nationwide, you have areas of the region that are considered food deserts. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a food desert is an area where people have limited access to a variety of healthy and affordable food.

Looking at the city of Buffalo, a large section of Buffalo's eastside has this problem. In fact, there are only two grocery stores left in that part of the city. This dynamic makes it very difficult for people to get access to fresh food and produce. Because of this and other issues, there has been a large push to spur more grocery store development in Buffalo.

Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand announced a new initiative to help increase incentives to build new stores in regions like Buffalo. The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) program would make up to $50 million in assistance available to grocers, and is one of a few different efforts out there to help spur grocery store and fresh food growth.

READ MORE: Doctors To Begin Prescribing Healthy Food In New York State

Having more grocery options in New York State's second-largest city is good for residents and the community. There is been a push to do just that, even if government funding isn't available. That exact idea is what a local Buffalo woman thought as she recently opened her own fresh food and produce market on Fillmore Ave in Buffalo.

The Truly Rooted Community Market Is Now Open

Buffalo's Leroy neighborhood residents now have a new option to get fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, and other healthy food options to Eastside residents.

The Truly Rooted Community Market, located at 2201 Fillmore Avenue, at the corner of Jewett in Buffalo, will serve the area with all sorts of fresh food that will help the community improve its health.

I really just want people to be able to learn, get fresh access to items that they may not get all the time and then also be able to take cooking classes, learn how to really treat their bodies better. Food is our fuel and it does everything for us. So increasing the education and that accessibility, hoping that it'll make our community stronger, live longer and more educated so that we're not going and having to travel so far when it comes to getting fresh produce or getting exactly what we need.
-Tesha Parker, Founder, Owner and Operator

In addition to fresh food and produce, the market features seeding and food growth classes, food education, and space for community events. This market is a part of an initiative developed by Parker's non-profit Rooted In Love.

To begin with, the market is open three days a week: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. As demand grows, it may open on more days.