Food market at YMCA helping ease east Charlotte food deserts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People in east Charlotte have a new place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
 
Queen City Mobile Market partnered with Friendship Gardens to set up a farmers market at Simmons YMCA on Democracy Drive.
                       
Low-income areas in Charlotte have become food deserts, where healthy fruits and vegetables aren't readily available.
                      
All of the produce at the YMCA food market comes from gardens across Charlotte.
 
"This is a component for healthy eating for people who may not have the ability in the community because there are more fast food restaurants than grocery stores," said Jessi McEntrie, the healthy living director with Simmons YMCA.
 
The market will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays at the Simmons YMCA.