Coinciding with National Farmers Market Week, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) released a groundbreaking report yesterday, “The $11 Trillion Reward: How Simple Dietary Changes Can Save Lives and Money, and How We Get There,” during an 11 a.m. press conference at The Mount Sinai Greenmarket in New York City.
The report, authored by UCS agricultural economist Jeffrey O’Hara, examines the public health and economic benefits that would accrue if Americans consumed more fruits and vegetables—it finds that even one extra serving per day could have significant benefits. O’Hara was joined by representatives from The Mount Sinai Medical Center and GrowNYC’S Greenmarket, along with New York-based chef, restaurateur, and television personality Tom Colicchio.
Wednesday’s event coincides with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 14th annual National Farmers Market Week, which kicked off on August 4. Across the country, organizations are hosting events and spreading the word about the many benefits of farmers markets. “The $11 Trillion Reward” builds on O’Hara’s 2011 report “Market Forces,” which found that shopping at farmers markets is great for the economy and creates jobs in rural communities.
