NASSAU, The Bahamas -- In a press conference today, BAIC Executive Chairman Michael Foulkes invited residents of the Yamacraw area to a 'Pop-Up Farmer's Market' at the Eastern Estates Park or 'Peggy Philip Park' off Prince Charles Drive on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The market makes available to eastern New Providence families affordable farm fresh fruits and vegetables, harvested this week by Family Island farmers.

With the aim of drastically reducing reliance on imports by growing, processing, marketing and exporting local food, and reducing the cost of living for all, Mr. Foulkes said BAIC is proud to be doing its part through the Farmer's Market initiative which takes place at its main Gladstone Road location, as well as the Bahamas National Trust Retreat at Village Road -- and popped up recently at Elizabeth Estates.

He noted: "Over almost 6 months ago, we established a wonderful partnership with our farmers to help us tackle the public health challenge that is both diet and lifestyle.  The Hon. Dr. Duane Sands, the Minister of Health, says and the empirical evidence is there to support the statement that we face a serious challenge with obesity -- sometimes described as the greatest public health challenge of our time.  And the public is hungry -- if I may use this expression - for healthier choices.

"It is almost 6 months now that we embarked on this important initiative, the Pop-Up Farmer's Market.  We realized the need for greater access to fresh vegetables and fruits at affordable prices for families, so we took a leap and began our first 'Pop-Up Farmer's Market' on Gladstone Road in Southern New Providence."

On the success so far, Mr. Foulkes added, "We continue to thank our customers.  They have visited our Pop-Up Markets in large numbers to support us and our Family Island farmers, essentially from week one, to last week.  The support by the Bahamian public has continued to grow and we are most fortunate and indeed grateful."