Oakland County adds fresh foods market to downtown Pontiac

An effort to increase Pontiac residents' access to fresh, healthy foods is spreading in Oakland County with the opening of a third goverment-run market. The newest market will operate one day a week on Tuesdays and sell fresh fruits and vegetables at a low cost. The markets are a project of the Healthy Pontiac We Can! Coalition and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency. Two other markets sell on Fridays and Saturdays, and all three share recipes for meals using fresh foods, lead cooking demonstrations and offer free samples. "This market is a part of Oakland County's strategy to improve the quality of life of our residents through healthier lifestyles," says Kathy Forzley, Oakland County Health Division manager and health officer. "Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers." Writer: Kim North Shine Source: Kathy Forzley, Oakland County Health Division