Beaumont - Royal Oak Farmers Market Opens Thursday

ROYAL OAK, MI – Good health does not begin in the emergency center, the cardiac cath lab or the delivery room.

It begins with the food we put into our bodies, say officials at Beaumont Hospital, which hosts regular farmers markets throughout its eight-hospital system to give residents increased access to the health-giving benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Beginning Thursday, June 2, patients, families, staff and the general public are invited to participate in our Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak farmers market, held every Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Oct. 6.

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Beaumont Health also supports community farmers markets In Taylor, Wayne, Dearborn and Farmington Hills.

Featured vendors include Sharkar and Blake Farms, Jarhead Salsa, Treat the Dog, DaBuzz Raw Honey and Mystic Kettle popcorn.

The Royal Oak hospital is located at 3601 West 13 Mile Road, and the market is situated adjacent to the south entrance. Free parking is available in the south deck, directly across from the entrance.

“In addition to fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, markets like ours offer food trucks, specialty, local food products and the creations of local crafters and artisans,” Miskiewicz said. “We support Beaumont Health by showcasing hospital departments such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Integrative Medicine and our employee wellness program. In fact, some of our vendors are employees.”

In Taylor, Wayne, Dearborn and Farmington Hills, Beaumont Health also supports and sponsors community farmers markets.

”We are pleased to be able to partner with our communities to support health with the sponsorship of local farmers markets,” said Betty Priskorn, Beaumont Health vice president of Community Health and Outreach. “By putting fresh fruits and vegetables in the hands of thousands of families, we are underlining the key public health messages about good nutrition, healthier diets and improved access to fresher, healthier foods.”

Beaumont Health also provides preventive health services throughout the summer at these markets with educational programming, nutritional counseling and health screenings.

Here are hours for the other Beaumont markets:

Dearborn Farmers & Artisan’s Market: Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Oct. 7 (closed July 1); Michigan Avenue, between Mason and Howard streets, Dearborn (behind the Bryant Library).

Farmington Farmers Market: Saturdays. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Nov. 5, Grand River Avenue and Grove Street (Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion, George F. Riley Park).

Taylor Farmers Market: Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 3 to Sept. 2 (closed June 24 for Taylor Summer Festival); Heritage Park, Pardee Road, between Northline and Goddard roads (in the Sheridan Community Center, a 41,000-square-foot open-air pavilion).

Wayne Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., through Oct. 26; Goudy Park, 3355 S. Wayne Road (just north of Michigan Avenue and behind city hall).

Beaumont Health employees can also access fresh produce via Eastern Market farm stands, in Dearborn, Taylor and Wayne; as well as Green Grocer stands at the Beaumont Troy and Farmington Hills hospitals.

“A major barrier to eating healthy is creating time for the task of shopping for nutritious food,” said Carla Schneider, director of Employee Wellness for Beaumont Health. “By bringing the farm market to our employees, that barrier is removed. Employees gain access to fresh, affordable fruits and veggies, delicious recipes and cooking tips for everyday living. What better way to empower our workforce than by providing a fun, conveniently located and healthy, food-buying experience?”

The Eastern Market partnership also represents a win for the local economy. In 2015, Beaumont Health employees purchased more than $49,900 in fresh produce from local farmers through the farm stands.

According to Michigan State University’s Extension Office, the agriculture industry contributes $101.2 billion annually to the state’s economy. Michigan is fourth in the nation for the number of farmers markets.