NYC Health Department launched Farm to Preschool

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Locally grown produce is coming to 11 preschools across the city.

The New York City Health Department, along with GrowNYC and Corbin Hill Food Project, announced Wednesday the launch of Farm to Preschool. The new initiative will bring locally grown fruits and vegetables to the participating preschools, and once a week, parents, staff and community members can purchase a produce box.

"Eating habits are developed early in life, and the Farm to Preschool program helps children learn about healthy eating and where their food comes from at an early age," said city Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.

Farm to Preschool sites include:

Ace Integration Head Start, 1419 Broadway, Brooklyn

Bishop Sexton Head Start, 933 Herkimer Street, Brooklyn

United Community Day Care Center, Inc., 613 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn

Mosholu Montefiore Child Development Center, 3450 DeKalb Avenue, Bronx

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center Inc., 3512 DeKalb Avenue, Bronx

Belmont Community Day Care Center, 2340 Cambreleng Avenue, Bronx

1199 Future of America Learning Center, 2500 Creston Avenue, Bronx

Child Center of New York Escalera Head Start, 169 West 87th Street, Manhattan

Union Johnson Early Learning Center, 1829 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan

Hudson Guild Children's Center, 459 West 26th Street, Manhattan

Child Center of New York, 60-02 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens

The program is the first of its kind in New York City. The 11 sites participating in Farm to Preschool will use the federal rules in the classroom to garden with children and give them hands-on experience with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

The produce boxes cost $10 to $12 each. Health Bucks and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) are accepted. Commitment for the season is not required.

For details on how to buy a share in your local Farm to Preschool program, call 311 or visit the Health Department website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/farm-to-preschool.shtml.