Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: July 25, 2006

First Lady Suzanne Carcieri Launches the Capitol Hill Farmers' Market: Get Fit, Rhode Island! and Initiative for a Healthy Weight Strive to Improve the Health of State Employees

Opening Ceremony with Mrs. Carcieri
Thursday, July 27, 2006 12:30pm

First Lady Suzanne Carcieri will kick off the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd Annual Capitol Hill Farmers' Market, this Thursday, July 27, at 12:30pm in the Courtyard between the Departments of Health, Administration, and Transportation. For the second season in a row, state employees in the Capitol Hill area will have the opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at their workplace.

"The farmers' market is a terrific complement to the state wellness program. It provides Capitol Hill employees with opportunities to increase their fruit and vegetable intake while getting out and walking on their break or lunchtime," said Mrs. Carcieri. "We hope that state employees will visit the farmers' market to improve the nutritional quality of their meals and share healthful habits with their families."

David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), will also speak at the ceremony to encourage state employee participation at this event. " One of my top priorities is to decrease obesity, especially childhood obesity, in Rhode Island. This farmer's market helps state employees have easier access to healthy foods, and creates a healthier food environment for their families, which is a critical step in preventing obesity," said Gifford.

R ecent research has shown that obesity levels are lowest among those who eat the most fruits and vegetables, yet only 27% of Rhode Island adults consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day.

In addition, the market also supports our local farmers and encourages all Rhode Islanders to do the same.

The opening day event will feature:

• Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants
• Music
• Exercise demonstrations
• Nutrition information

The Farmers' Market is sponsored by the Governor's Get Fit, Rhode Island! State Employees Wellness Initiative and the Department of Health's Initiative for a Healthy Weight.

The Farmers' Market will continue every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM throughout the growing season.