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WHEREAS, farmers markets provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables for the residents of Pittsburgh while serving as important outlets for local farmers: and
WHEREAS, the six farmers markets sponsored by Pittsburgh Citiparks located in Carrick, Downtown, East Liberty, Highland Park, North Side and South Side, as well as other farmers markets in the City and throughout Allegheny County offer farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods during the summer and fall; and
WHEREAS, Just Harvest: A Center for Action Against Hunger, Pittsburgh Citiparks, the Union Project, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Neighbors in the Strip, Oakland Business Improvement District, Farmers Market Cooperative of East Liberty, Farmers Market Alliance, Farmers Market Friends, and PA Association of Sustainable Agriculture, work in partnership to provide this opportunity to City residents; and
WHEREAS, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank makes fresh, affordable produce and nutrition education available through its Farm Stand Project, currently operating in Addison Terrace, East Hills, Hazelwood, the Hill District, Homewood, and Lawrenceville; and
WHEREAS, Addison Terrace Resident Council, CYA/Stephen Foster Community Center, Diakonia Ministries, Hazelwood YMCA, Hill House Association, and Homewood Brushton YMCA/Family Support Center sponsor the farm stands in their neighborhoods to help meet the nutritional needs of low-income Pittsburghers; and
WHEREAS, the Allegheny County Health Department, promotes healthy child growth and development for income -eligible and nutritionally at-risk families through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program; and
WHEREAS, seniors with low-incomes also receive vouchers through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, allowing them to partake of farm-fresh and nutritious Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables; and discover the joys of shopping for unique ingredients sold directly from the farm and the pleasure of buying familiar products in their freshest possible state; and
WHEREAS, farmers markets support local anti-hunger efforts through donations of unsold food to organizations that feed needy individuals and families and enhance access to nutritious food through the Food Stamp and Farmers Market Nutrition programs; and
WHEREAS, our farmers, while providing for our needs, are among the best stewards of our land; and farmers markets serve as integral links among urban, suburban and rural communities, affording farmers and consumers the opportunity to interact.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh declares August 6-12, 2006, "Farmers Market Week" in the City of Pittsburgh
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends the organizations and individuals engaged in the promotion and operation of farmers markets and farm stands in the City of Pittsburgh.