No ID, No EBT Needed At These Free Produce Markets In Washington Heights

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Volunteers are teaming up to host two open-air produce markets — where all the food is free — this month in Washington Heights and Fort George.

Verde Vida, a Northern Manhattan and Bronx nonprofit, will host its first free market this month on Aug. 6, and its second on Aug. 13, organizers told Patch.

The events, both of which will take place outside of public schools, are designed to help anyone, regardless of immigration status or EBT verification, organizers said.

"Not everyone has the budget to go to a supermarket and buy fresh fruits and vegetables because prices are so high," Rosanna Diaz, president of PS/IS 173 PTA, told Patch. "Providing fresh produce brings healthy food directly into people's homes — and there is more than enough to go around."

The fresh fruits and vegetables — which include batata, plantains, yuca, cilantro and more — are sourced from local partners like the Hunts Point Produce Market, Sharing Excess and Whole Foods.

Verde Vida also rescues surplus produce directly and has distributed more than 100,000 lbs of produce through these markets this season.

Here are the two upcoming events.

• Thursday, Aug. 6: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at PS/IS 173 (306 Fort Washington Ave.)
• Thursday, Aug. 13: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at PS 189M (2580 Amsterdam Ave.)

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.