TMC market sells fresh produce

The Hospital Hill community does not have to travel to purchase fresh produce.

Truman Medical Center launched “The Farmers Market” to provide produce options to its staff, patients and community.

The market, located on the east side of Charlotte and 23rd Street, opens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every other Thursday and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the produce sells out.

Truman President and Chief Executive Officer John Bluford had the vision for the market.

“It’s about health care reform and prevention and wellness,” Bluford said. “Our mission is fundamentally creating a healthy community.”

The market offers a variety of produce including bell peppers, collard greens, broccoli, peaches and cherries. Truman gets the produce through its food services department.

Bluford said the hospital buys the produce in bulk and passes the discount on to market patrons.

Prices may vary from week to week. Lately, Truman has offered a package of three bell peppers for $2, a 5 pound bag of potatoes for $2 and 3 bunches of collard greens for $2.

“We’ve used our buying power through food services,” Bluford said. “People love it. What’s not to love about it?”

Bluford said he hopes the market encourages more people to cook meals with fresh produce and avoid processed meals.

“This is very significant as we look at chronic illness,” he said.

Truman had a trial farmers market a few times last year.

“It was a huge success,” Bluford said.

Truman debuted its Thursday market May 14 and launched the Saturday market June 6.

Bluford said the market attracts staff, patients and community members.

“It’s exceeding expectations so soon,” he said.

Community member Alberta Dulley stopped by May 28 to purchase some fruit.

“It’s nice,” she said. “(Prices) were reasonable.”

Carolyn Carter visited the market after a doctor’s appointment at Truman. Carter purchased peppers, plums and greens. She said she enjoyed the price and convenience.

Carol Evrard, RN, Truman’s director of nursing practice, said she encouraged administrators to start the market as a benefit to the staff.

“A lot of our staff don’t live close to farmers markets,” Evrard said. “This is one more avenue to impact our staff and their families.”

Evrard speaks not just as an advocate, but also as a consumer.

“I shop here as well,” Evrard said. “I think the prices are even better than other farmers markets.”

Truman executive assistant Sherry Hunter said she shops at the market for convenience, price and quality.

“It has become very popular,” Hunter said. “This is really fresh.”

Truman’s next market will take place June 11.

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