Community Helps Local Students Return to School

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and GrowNYC today hosted a Back-to-School event at the Maple Playground Greenmarket. Two hundred local families received a free insulated lunch box as well as hand sanitizers and public health information to support the return of in-person public school classes since the pandemic started last year.

“During this unprecedented crisis, it’s important for our community to step up and support local families as they navigate the complexities and risks of in-person learning for their children,” stated John Choe, Executive Director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to partner with GrowNYC and EmblemHealth to encourage public safety measures in our community as a way to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This back-to-school event was sponsored by EmblemHealth, a not-for-profit health and wellness company that provides insurance plans, primary and specialty care, and wellness solutions for more than three million people in the New York tri-state area.

“EmblemHealth has worked to support our community throughout this devastating pandemic and we are proud to partner with the Chamber and GrowNYC to support the recovery of Flushing,” stated Freddy Ng, Marketplace Sales Manager for EmblemHealth.

The Greenmarket, operated by GrowNYC, is open every Wednesday from 8am to 3pm, until November 24, 2021. Farmers at the Greenmarket accept cash, debit and credit cards, SNAP/EBT (food stamps), WIC & Senior FMNP coupons as well as Health Bucks (for every $5 spent in EBT, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables). For updates throughout the season, visit the Greenmarket webpage or the Chamber’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on at-market activities throughout the season.

The Chamber partners with GrowNYC to promote the Greenmarket and coordinates programming with local businesses, cultural groups, and civic associations.

“Our next public program at the Greenmarket will take place on Wednesday, September 29, and will feature a free outdoor exhibition of paintings by local artists,” stated Alice Lee, who is curating the artwork and heads the Advisory Board of the Flushing Chamber.

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership association that fosters the economic growth, inclusive diversity, and shared prosperity of our community through advocacy, networking, and education. We envision a community that is a beacon for economic opportunity, mutual respect, and solidarity. As we overcome challenges and reach for our dreams, we transform ourselves and redefine what it means to be an American.

Event participants also included Winnifred Lee, Queens Market Manager and her team from GrowNYC; Erika Brassoi and Eddie Abrams from the Holly Civic Association; Al Rankins from Latimer House Museum and Concerned African-Americans of Flushing; and, Yan Li-Vitale from EmblemHealth.