Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market Hosts Former Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs

September 5, 2017 | Community News, Community News and Media, Trenton

New Jersey native and former Olympic athlete Joetta Clark Diggs made a special appearance at Trenton’s Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market on Monday, August 28, 2017. The four-time Olympic competitor led an exercise routine and a water balloon toss at 1:00 pm to kick off the free community event.

“It was exciting to have Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs join us for the afternoon to lead activities for the community during Water Fest,” said Chelsea Jackson, Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market manager.

Clark Diggs is a four-time Olympic runner and founder of the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation. She also serves as a spokesperson for the Mayors Wellness Campaign, a program of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. Clark Diggs had a successful 24-year career as a competitive 800-meter and 1500-meter runner, winning many collegiate, national, and world championships. Along with her decorated running career, Clark Diggs is a physical health and wellness advocate for children and teens nationwide. The Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation was founded in 2002 to promote involvement in physical activities for girls and boys ages K-12.

Clark Diggs’ appearance at the Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market was made possible through a grant from the United Health Foundation to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, which is collaborating with the Trenton Health Team to improve health literacy and reduce chronic disease in the Trenton community.

As part of the Water Fest event, children participated in educational activities at water-themed stations around the market and even played on a 22-ft. water slide. Approximately 20 volunteers from the Trenton Health Team, the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, and United Health Foundation supervised various activities which included water-themed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) exhibits, a craft table, and games such as fishing for prizes. Market visitors received free sunglasses and water bottles during the event.

Each week, the Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market features Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, tropical fruits, meat, eggs, and bakery items. Along with healthy food options, the farmers market provides free health screenings, live music, nutrition education, and cooking demonstrations.

The market accepts SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP vouchers. Matching “Good Food Bucks” ($2 for every $1, up to a maximum of $20) are provided for residents using SNAP to expand access to fruits and vegetables. Individuals using SNAP, SFMNP and WIC vouchers also receive a $1 match in “Greenwood Green” bucks for each dollar spent at the market.

The Greenwood Ave. Farmers Market will be open every Monday through October 23^rd.

 

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