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CORTLANDT, N.Y. To celebrate National Food Day, Hudson Valley Hospital Center will hold a mini-farmers market and cooking demonstrations in its cafeteria Wednesday.
The message of Food Day is a simple one, said Jennifer Fell, director of food and nutrition at the hospital. Eat seasonal, local foods whenever possible. Avoid processed foods, foods with additives, hormones and antibiotics. By doing these things, you can improve your health and protect the environment.
The hospital's mini-farmers market is presented in conjunction with Hilltop Hanover Farms of Yorktown. The hospital is hoping to highlight its initiative, Harvest for Health, which encourages healthy eating to fight obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
As part of Harvest for Health, the hospital created an organic demonstration garden to educate patients about healthy eating and holds a monthly farmers market in its parking lot, featuring local farms and organic foods. The next two markets will be Tuesday, Oct. 30, and Tuesday, Nov. 20.
National Food Day was started by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in 2011 and also advocates for fair labor practices in agriculture and reducing hunger. The nearest Food Day event is in Pleasantville, where the Haven restaurant has a special entrée.
The mini-farmers market will be open from noon to 2 p.m. The hospital is located at 1980 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor.
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