On Friday mornings, from now through Thanksgiving, residents can buy locally grown produce at a Farmer's Market, which will be located on the west side of the Nassau University Medical Center campus, in the parking lot of the former Activities building, near the Carman Avenue entrance.

The market will be set up from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Fridays and allow residents to purchase fruit, vegetables, cheese from upstate New York, homemade salad dressings, homemade pickles from Oyster Bay, breads, olive oil, baked goods, jam, jelly as well as items from a local Greek baker. There is free parking available to shoppers and the stand is open rain or shine.

"As a hospital providing care to an increasing number of obese, diabetic and hypertensive patients, we are in a unique position to not just treat their ailments but to improve the health of our patients, visitors and employees by increasing the likelihood that they will eat nutritious and fresh foods. We are committed to improve our patients' quality of life and believe a Farmers' Market will provide us with an opportunity to assist the community in improving their health," said Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the Nassau Health Care Corporation.

The Fred and Ethel Terry Farms, a 130-acre farm located on Long Island's Orient Point harvesting 60 types of vegetables and three orchards for fruit, will provide 12 vendors who will sell seasonal fruits and vegetables. The farm is 400 years old - one of the oldest in New York State. They will provide, along with NUMC's registered dietitians, a fun, outdoor venue for educating staff and visitors about nutrition, food preparation and the benefits of eating fresh and local produce to further contribute to the long-term development of healthy eating habits.

Ethel Terry, coordinator of the Long Island growers markets, encourages everyone to shop at the market. "By buying local at a farmers market you are guaranteed to know that your food has not been contaminated," Terry said. "Farmers are like dinosaurs and it is very important to keep the farmers farming. Shopping at these local markets helps them continue to farm."

Nassau University Medical Center staff from the therapeutic recreation department, led by Linda Walsh, director, designed and painted a mural located near the parking lot where the weekly Friday morning Farmers' Market will be.

"Unhealthy diets and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables adversely affect the health of many Americans suffering from an increased rate of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Our goal is to enhance wellness and encourage our patients, visitors and staff to include fresh fruits and vegetables in their meals," said Gianelli.