MIAMI, Okla. – Jicama, Kohlrabi, Rutabaga…these produce items can be hard to find in most grocery stores.
But, can be found at the Ottawa County Farmer’s Market in Miami.
“In this part of the state there’s a lot of commodities, and so people have grown up with canned fruits and vegetables,” said Kris Woodruff, Ottawa County Farmer’s Market coordinator.
So, they’re working to improve awareness about healthy eating in the county.
“Some people, the closest thing they have is a convenience store, or maybe a dollar general, so this is just another way for them to get healthy food,” Woodruff said.
They’re not just sharing the importance of healthy food, but also about keeping the community as a whole healthy.
This is why farmer’s market shoppers could also get a Covid-19 vaccine.
“And they didn’t have to go anywhere do anything special, except come and get their veggies like they normally do each week,” said Woodruff.
The Northeastern Tribal Health System supplied today’s shots and says this may put people at ease when it comes to getting the jab.
“We feel that people have had the opportunity for several months and maybe they haven’t taken advantage of that and sometimes when you go to a clinic or a hospital it’s a little intimidating, so people will avoid those situations, so while they’re out here purchasing some fruits and vegetables maybe they will take advantage of that,” said Tink Smith, CEO of Northeastern Tribal Health System.
That’s exactly what Smokey Struss did.
“I was supposed to get it today in Joplin, they had a backup of medicines or something, so this worked out perfectly for me,” Struss said.
He didn’t even plan on getting it at the market today.
“It’s very convenient, it’s like they can do their shopping, get their groceries out here, get a shot at the same time.”
The Covid-19 vaccines will be offered every Thursday afternoon from 3 pm-6 pm for the next 4-6 weeks.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.