DALLAS, Sept 29, 2024—The American Heart Association is enhancing nutrition security efforts in Dallas by ensuring access to healthier foods. This October, people in Dallas and those riding the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus system can visit weekly pop-up produce markets offering nutrition education, opportunities to sign up for SNAP, and produce from Restorative Farms. The collaboration brings opportunity for the public to make greater strides toward meeting the Association’s Healthy Eating Guidelines.
The diets of most people living in the United States do not align with the healthy dietary pattern and only 1 in 10 adults meet the daily recommendations for fruits and vegetables. Food accessibility, availability, and affordability make it harder for historically under-resourced communities to access nutritious foods that help prevent chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.
In collaboration with DART and Restorative Farms, the American Heart Association is sponsoring the pop-up produce markets every Wednesday in October at the DART Akard Station. Access to nutritious foods is essential to having a healthy heart, and these pop-up markets will allow any individual passing through Akard Station to access fresh produce. Along with the produce, there will be opportunities to sign up for SNAP and receive nutrition education.
“These pop-up markets are a vital part of the American Heart Association’s mission to ensure everyone has access to nutritious foods that support longer, healthier lives. By partnering with organizations that share our commitment to addressing local needs, we can amplify our impact and make a real difference in the community,” said Jenny Eyer, Vice President of Health Strategies for the American Heart Association in North Texas. “We invite more groups and Dallas leaders to join us in promoting healthy communities. We have identified many health opportunities across North Texas and are ready to collaborate with those eager to drive positive change.”
The American Heart Association is grateful to the Moody Foundation, NCR Voyix, and the Truist Foundation for supporting this initiative. The DART produce markets are open to everyone.
Schedule:
Wednesdays: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm in October 2024
Location: DART Akard Station, 1401 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75202
Working in the community to improve nutrition security and connect people across North Texas to the resources they need to be healthy and thrive is a major focus and part of the Dallas and Fort Worth area community solutions that the Association’s local team continues to replicate around the metroplex. Organizations looking to connect with the American Heart Association’s team in North Texas to affect their community can contact Jenny Ever, VP of Health Strategies via email jenny.eyer@heart.org, and DFW can also follow along on social by connecting with the local American Heart Association team on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Lindsey Lyons Jones: (214) 441-4114; lindsey.lyonsJones@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org