MVP Health Care Supports Westside Farmers Market’s Wellness Program Expansion in Rochester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROCHESTER, NY, May 21, 2018 — MVP Health Care has provided the Westside Farmers Market with a $1,000 grant that will allow the market to hire an American Sign Language interpreter to expand its health and wellness program.

The market, the only farmers market in the area that regularly links shoppers with health professionals for conversation and exercise, hosts “Talk and Walk with a Doc,” an interview with a doctor or other health or wellness professional followed by a one-mile walk through the city’s 19th ward and along the Genesee River. The talk is hosted by Democrat and Chronicle health reporter Patti Singer, who conducts it on Facebook Live. This season, with the help of a Corporate Giving Grant from MVP Health Care, “Talk and Walk” will feature an ASL interpreter for Facebook Live, making health information accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The interpreter will also be available to shoppers who want to talk with farmers and vendors.

“Health and wellness are important to all members of our community and MVP Health Care is happy to be able to extend the benefits of “Talk and Walk with a Doc” to the deaf population,” said Jackie Marciniak, MVP’s associate director of community engagement. “Providing a grant to programs that are inclusive of all members of our community is an important step towards overall well-being.”

Located at 831 Genesee St., the Westside Farmers Market is in its 11th season. The market runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays from June 12 through Oct. 9. The Facebook Live interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. The interpreter will then be available to assist shoppers from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. each Tuesday from June 12 through Aug. 28.

The Westside Farmers Market has a mission to support farmers and bring fresh local produce into the southwest neighborhood while fostering a community spirit. Shoppers will find a large variety of produce, greens, meat, eggs, flowers, poultry, bread, jams, herbal soaps, and more.

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About MVP Health Care

MVP Health Care is a nationally recognized, community-focused, not-for-profit health insurer serving more than 700,000 members in New York and Vermont. Committed to the complete well-being of its members, MVP provides the tools and information they need to achieve better health and peace of mind. For more information, visit www.mvphealthcare.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mvphealthcare, and on Twitter at @MVPHealthCare.