The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation’s urban farm continues to flourish with its fall harvest! Currently, the farm has about 2,000 plants in the ground including broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens, collard greens, kale, and lettuce. “We are looking forward to a great fall and winter season, and we are hoping for a bountiful harvest,” says Farm Manager Otis Wright, Jr. In the fall, farmers like Otis work diligently to prepare their crops for potentially harsh weather conditions; therefore, the fall season sets the tone for the rest of the year’s harvest. 

Adding, November is American Diabetes Month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34.2 million U.S. adults have diabetes while 1 in 5 of them are not aware that they have it. It is also the seventh leading cause of death in this country. So, it is imperative that we encourage those living with Diabetes to eat well by incorporating more fruits and vegetables in their diets. The plate method is a great way to manage diet and blood sugar levels. This strategy suggests that 50% of your dinner plate should consume vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) while the other 50% is split between protein (chicken, turkey, etc.) and carbs (potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.). 

If you are interested in supporting local farmers and implementing a plant-based diet into your life, feel free to visit the JMMF’s Farmer’s Market. It is open every Friday from noon until 5 p.m. and offers an assortment of fruits and vegetables for a healthier lifestyle. Remember, health is wealth!