BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Fresh is better than frozen.
That's the message local farmers and produce harvesters are sending to Cincinnati residents at three community markets set up this summer to make fresh food available and promote healthy living.
"We want to let people know that there are healthy ways to eat in Cincinnati," said Mary Lynn Tangi, the community market coordinator. "This is more of an outreach, because we'd like them to know that there's an old-fashioned market right here."
The markets, sponsored by the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, had their first test Saturday at Alms Park in Columbia Tusculum. More than 20 booths showed passersby everything from how to grow produce to how to cook tofu.
Ms. Tangi said a community market is the best way to promote local growers.
"I can't find any (community) markets here, and that's really disappointing," said Cincinnati resident Barbara Yount. "You have to travel around and really search for one of these things around here. I hope this catches on."
So does Ms. Tangi, who said she thinks the event will gain popularity once word gets out.
The other two markets will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 at French Park in Amberley Village, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Devou Park in Covington.
"It will take some time before everyone knows about it," she said. "But it's a community gathering, where people get together and see each other in a place other than the grocery store."
