Baylor Scott and White Health & Wellness Center​ has opened seven pop-up markets in Dallas since 2010. Photos courtesy of BSWHWC.

July 6, 2018

When healthy foods are not readily available, many people will settle for junk food within easy reach.

That’s why Baylor Scott and White Health & Wellness Center in Dallas has opened seven pop-up farm stands since 2010. It's an effort to educate people to make better choices and also give them the opportunity to do so.

Baylor Scott and White Farm Stand“The Farm Stand program was initiated to address barriers to fresh, affordable produce in an underserved community designated as a food desert, where there are no chain grocery stores within a one-mile radius,” said Andrea Hayes, senior marketing and and public relations consultant for Baylor Scott & White Health & Wellness Center. 

She said the Farm Stand program is a key component of a three-pronged strategy to address barriers to health, targeting clinical care, nutrition and physical activity. 

“By providing access to care, access to affordable, fresh produce and opportunities for physical activity we remove some of the barriers to health improvement in underserved communities and help them build health behaviors.”

Hayes said the Farm Stands were rolled out over time and each one has been strategically located in different zip codes as need was determined through community partner organizations.   

A company called FreshPoint is the produce vendor and services all of the locations. The produce selection varies, with organic items offered when feasible. There is a nominal fee for items and cash, credit/debit and SNAP benefits are accepted.  

David Edwards, who manages the day-to-day functions of the farm stand locations, said so far the flagship location at Baylor Scott and White Health & Wellness Center has been the most successful.

“That location has provided the platform for us to promote health awareness and the importance of a healthy diet, while we continue to do research,” Edwards said. “Our model is to provide produce at the most affordable price possible for our members. Our Flagship location collaborates with the Big Tex Urban Farm at the State Fair of Texas. They donate organic produce weekly to our farm stand and our members are able to take those items at no cost.” 

The most recently opened farm stand was created at the Dallas County Health and Human Services' Stemmons location in January. The pop-up stand is open twice a month and draws both county staff as well as nearby Dallas residents.   

According to Renae Crutchfield, public information officer, Dallas County Health & Human Services, the community farm stand project was part of DCHHS’s continued effort to promote workplace wellness but it also serves the public.

“Since the main DCHHS campus is a public building, DCHHS expanded the community farm stand to the community to address the growing need of access to fresh fruits and vegetables within the surrounding area.”

Dr. Donald Wesson, president of BSW HWC, said they are excited about the new collaboration and continued growth of the program.

"The farm stand expansion helps us expand on our commitment to improve the health of the city one person, one family, one community at a time.” 

Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Farm Stands 

The hours and days for each of the farm stands vary and are listed below. 

• Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center, Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center, 4500 Spring Ave. Dallas, 75210. Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Community Farm Stand, St. Paul Baptist Church,1600 Pear St. Dallas, 75215. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Community Farm Stand, Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7031 Forney Road, Dallas, 75227. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Community Farm Stand, Beth Eden Baptist Church, 1125 E. Red Bird Ln, Dallas, 75241. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Healthy Cities, Cummings Recreation Center, 2976 Cummings, Dallas, 75216. Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Healthy Cities, Anita A. Martinez Recreation Center, 3212 N. Winnetka Ave, Dallas, 75212. Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Community Farm Stand, Dallas County Health and Human Services, 2377 N. StemmonsFwy, Dallas, 75207. 2nd and 4th Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.


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