New Farmers' Market, New Options, For Poor In South Philly

A celebration in South Philadelphia yesterday afternoon welcomed a new farmers' market -- as well as the extension of a program that allows mothers with children to buy more fresh food.

The City of Philadelphia chose the celebration of the new farmers' market at 22nd and Tasker to announce a first-of-its-kind program to help more than 25,000 low income mothers and children buy more fresh produce, by providing $80 in checks to be used at local farmers' markets.

Carrie Morgan is executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger:

"This project gives the moms and kids the food they need to keep them healthy, but it also puts a boost in the economy by bringing dollars to the local markets."

Shearine McGhee, 31, of North Philadelphia, uses WIC to feed her two small daughters:

"It helps a lot of mothers like myself who didn't know anything about farmers' markets.  We were just used to going to the supermarket, shopping for our children.  So, it's amazing!"

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio