Today, organic foods have become synonymous with Whole Foods and Traders Joe’s. However, they can be found in most New York City grocery stores, and they are known for being pricier than their non-organic counterparts. But what are they and where can we find them in the Bronx?
What is organic?
To be certified, organic produce must:
– Be free of commercial fertilizers for 3 years.
– Be free of herbicides for 3 years.
– Not be from genetically modified seeds.
– Include a buffer zone between organic and non organic plants.
To be certified, organic animals must:
– Not be fed anything grown with toxic or synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or fumigants.
– Be free of growth hormones, antibiotics, or genetically engineered products.
– Be given more space and freedom to graze.
– Have been conceived by organically raised animals.
– Be butchered following organic regulations.
As you can see, a lot of effort goes into being an organic farmer. As such, there is a trend of consumers going organic. They know that the product has not been altered. Also, more people are becoming aware that waste products in the land transfers into the products and cause illnesses in human bodies, such as e.coli.
Where can we find organic foods in the Bronx?
There are a few stores in the Bronx that sell organic produce and meat. The best organic food stores are listed below. Alternatively, we can find organic food in farmer’s markets. A list of these markets is provided below.
Organic Food Stores
Garden Gourmet Market
5665 Broadway
Bronx, NY 10471
Neighborhood: Kingsbridge
(718) 796-4209
www.gardengourmetmarket.com
Price Range: $$
Garden Gourmet stands out on Broadway like a sparkling gem as dirt cheap unhealthy eateries, such as KFC, McDonalds, and Chinese restaurants surround it. As one of the few healthy food stores in Kingsbridge, it stands strong. Its aisles are full of fresh organic produce and endless packaged delights. Their fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as cheese spreads, are the best in the neighborhood. It offers a wide variety of products. If you make it through the produce aisles without filling your basket, you will be rewarded by the prepared foods. The spreads, salads, cheeses, etc are amazing. When compared to Manhattan organic food stores and nearby supermarkets, prices in Garden Gourmet are extremely affordable. Even though the store is small for the amount of food it stocks, the selection is worth the mild anxiety attack a claustophobic person may endure.
Good N Natural
2173 White Plains Rd
Bronx, NY 10462
Neighborhood: Pelham Gardens
(718) 931-4335
Price Range: $$$
Good N Natural is like a typical small, independent natural foods store in Manhattan but with Bronx flair. And by Bronx flair, I mean a elderly customer swearing at the cash register clerks for moving “too ******* slow!” However, from Tom’s of Maine deodorant to flour comprised of any grain imaginable, this tiny little food store has an astonishing selection of natural foods and products. However, they do not sell fresh meat. Some local customers do most of their grocery shopping at Good N Natural and stock up on chicken and beef in Whole Foods in Manhattan because the prices are on par or lower than prices at Whole Foods. In addition to regular dry food items, they have a dairy section, vitamins, natural personal care, and household cleaning products. Unfortunately, the checkout line can be lengthy at times. The staff is highly knowledge of the store’s products. In addition to vitamins and nutritional supplements, you can find a range of vegan and certified organic foods. This store also caters to shoppers looking for gluten-free or dairy-free goods.
Lee’s Lydig Pick and Pack
716 Lydig Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
Neighborhood: Pelham Gardens
(718) 823-7062
Price Range: $
There are several produce stores in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, only older fruits are on sale or have small selections. At Lee’s, it’s different. All produce looks fresh. They rotate seasonal items for sale to maintain freshness. Since it is located in a largely immigrant community, it offers a large variety of produce. You can get napa, tofu, and even jalapeños. Even though parking is horrendous, you can’t beat the prices for produce! It is not gourmet, but they had a very good variety of fruits and vegetables at an affordable price. Last month, I found strawberries at $1 per pound and organic raspberries at $1 per pint. While other stores charged over $1.50 for apples this summer through the fall, Lee’s had a variety of great apples under $1.
Farmer’s Markets
Besides these organic food stores, you can find organic produce at Farmer’s Markets. These open-air markets offer visitors and residents alike to purchase a variety of products directly from suppliers. Greenmarket has run and managed farmer’s markets throughout New York City since 1976.There are 28 individual locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. About 200 farmers participate in these markets and include vegetable (both traditional & organic) farmers; orchard growers; meat, dairy, poultry and fish producers; and producers of baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jam, wine and plants.
Additionally, the NYC Health Department has created the Health Bucks program. Health Bucks are worth $2 each and are distributed by District Public Health Offices. They can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable at participating markets. At farmers markets that accept food stamps (Electronic Benefit Transfer/EBT), one Health Buck coupon will be given to each customer for every $5 spent using food stamps.The following is a list of markets in the Bronx.
Markets marked with HB next to its name participate in the Health Bucks program. Those marked with EBT accepts food stamps. Markets marked with FREE offer free samples, nutrition classes, recipes, and classes on how to cook farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Bissel Gardens Farmers Market HB, EBT
Baychester Ave. & E. 241 St.
Hours: Wednesdays 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM (July 7 – November 13)
*Bronx Borough Hall Greenmarket HB, EBT
Grand Concourse bet. 161st and 162nd Sts. At Joyce Kilmer Park
Hours: Tuesdays, 8 AM to 6 PM (June 29 – November 23)
*Harvest Home Castle Hill Farmers Market
Castle Hill & Hart Aves. at Bronx YMCA
Hours: Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 10 – November 20)
*Harvest Home Co-op City Farmers Market
Parking Lot # 3, W side of Co-op City Blvd. N side of Bellamy Loop
Hours: Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 10 – November 20)
*Harvest Home Echo Park Farmers Market HB, EBT
Ryer St. and Burnside Ave.
Hours: Wednesday 8 AM to 5 PM (July 7 – November 17)
*Harvest Home Forest Ave. Farmers Market HB, EBT
Forest Ave., Btw Westchester Ave. & E. 156th St.
Hours: Wednesday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 8 – November 18)
*Harvest Home Jacobi Hospital Farmers Market HB, EBT
1400 Pelham Pkwy. at Eastchester Rd.
Hours: Tuesday 8 AM to 4 PM (June 8 – November 23)
*Harvest Home Jerome Ave. Farmers Market HB, EBT
Plaza Drive, btw 170th St. & Elliot Place
Hours: Friday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 9 – November 19)
*Harvest Home Morris Park Farmers Market HB, EBT
Our Saviour Lutheran Church lot, 1734 Williamsbridge Rd.
Hours: Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 10 – November 20)
*Harvest Home Mt. Eden Farmers Market HB, EBT
Mt. Eden & Morris Aves. near Bronx-Lebanon Hospital
Hours: Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM (May 20 – November 18)
*Harvest Home North Central Bronx Farmers Market
Mosholu Parkway North & Jerome Ave.
Hours: Wednesday 8 AM to 6 PM (July 7 – November 24)
*Harvest Home Sunday Farmers Market HB, EBT
Grand Concourse & E. 165th St. at Bronx Museum of the Arts
Hours: Sunday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 11 – November 21)
*Harvest Home West Farms Farmers Market
Drew Gardens, E. Tremont Ave. bet. Boston Rd. & E. 177th St.
Hours: Wednesday 8 AM to 4 PM (July 7 – November 17)
*Hunts Point Farmers Market HB, EBT, FREE
Monsignor Raul del Valle Sq.(subway#6) Southern Blvd., Bruckner & E. 163rd
Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:30 AM to 5 PM (June 23 – November 13)
*La Familia Verde Farmers Market HB, EBT
Tremont Park, E. Tremont & Lafontaine Aves.
Hours: Tuesday 8 AM to 2 PM (July 13 – November 9)
*Learn it, Grow it, Eat it Youthmarket HB, EBT
Boston Rd. and E. 169th St.
Hours: Wednesday 10 AM to 2:30 PM (July 7 – October 27
*Lincoln Hospital Greenmarket HB, EBT, FREE
149th St. btw Park & Morris Aves.
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 AM to 3 PM (June 29 – November 23)
*Marble Hill Youthmarket
225th St. at Broadway, the Bronx
Thursday 2 PM to 6 PM (July 8 – October 28)
*Mid-Bronx Desperados (MBD) Youthmarket HB, EBT
Westchester Ave. & West Farms Rd.
Hours: Friday 9 AM to 2 PM (July 9 – October 29)
*Mott Haven Farmers Market HB, EBT, FREE
Padre Plaza Garden, E. 139th St. & 283 Saint Ann’s Ave.
Hours: Wednesday 9 AM to 6 PM (July 7 – November 3)
*New York Botanical Garden Greenmarket HB, EBT
Bedford Pk & Mosholu Blvd, inside New York Botanical Garden Mosholu Gate a Kazimiroff Blvd
Hours: Wednesday 9 AM – 5 PM (June 16 – November 24)
*Northeast Bronx Farmers Market
Haffen Park, Hammersley & Wickham Aves.
Hours: Saturday 6 AM to 7 PM (July 2 – November 19)
*Poe Park Greenmarket HB, EBT, FREE
Grand Concourse & E. 192 St.
Hours: Tuesdays, 8 AM to 3 PM (July 6 – November 23)
*Riverdale Youthmarket
Mosholu Ave. at 255th St., the Bronx
Hours: Thursday 3 PM to 7 PM (July 8 – October 28)
*South Bronx Community Farmers Market HB, EBT
St. Mary’s Park, E. 146th & St. Anne’s Ave.
Hours: Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM (July 10 – November 20)
*Taqwa Community Farmers Market HB, EBT
90 W. 164th St., Highbridge, Ogden Ave. (in garden)
Hours: Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 4 PM (July 3 – November 13)
Sources
Egbert, Bill. “Best of the boros: Shopping in the Bronx.” New York Daily News.
Cross, Heather. “Farmer’s Markets in the City.” About.com
“Greenmarkets 2011” .
New York State Farmers’ Markets.” New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
“Organic Food Bronx NY.”
“Working with Farmers’ Markets.” NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Yelp.
