According to Stacy Revay, Healthy Communities coordinator for the Collier County Health Department, 65 percent of government employees are eating more fruits and vegetables since the opening of the Collier County Government Complex farmers’ market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Fridays. “We did a follow-up survey of 1,000 individuals six months after opening the market and were so excited to see such positive results,” says Revay.

The market project is part of the Collier County Healthy Food Access program, designed to serve a diverse, low-income population that uses the Collier Area Transit transfer station at the complex. Additionally, it is intended to offer nearly 2,000 government employees a source from which to purchase healthy foods. “The market isn’t just for county Public Health Department clients, it’s also for our employees, because they can walk or ride their bicycles to come here,” advises Revay, adding that the market is also open to the general public.

“This program is coming out of the Smart Growth Coalition, which focuses on a redevelopment structure conducive to health lifestyles,” explains Revay. Vendors were specifically chosen to provide a balanced, healthy, natural food source for the Collier County community.

Location: 3301 Tamiami Trail E., next to the Transit Transfer Station, Naples.