Highmark brings healthy cooking and cuisine to Delavan Grider Farmers Market

Buffalo, N.Y. (August 5, 2024) — To help empower and educate the community on the power of healthy eating, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, with Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, Buffalo Go Green and Patti Green are bringing healthy cooking demonstrations to Mrs. Frances Nash on Broadway. The demonstrations will take place on August 6, August 27, and September 3 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

During each demonstration, Patti Green, creative entrepreneur and holistic lifestyle coach will showcase several healthy recipe ideas using fresh ingredients available through the Highmark Buffalo Go Green Mobile Unit. Neighbors will enjoy the cuisine, plus copies of the recipes will be provided. 

“Highmark is committed to supporting food insecurity and improving access to healthy, nutritious food in East Buffalo,” said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, and that starts with access to fresh, affordable food and education around healthy eating.”

For the second year, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is presenting sponsor of the Michigan Street African American Corridor’s Mrs. Frances Nash's Garden Basket, which takes place at 136 Broadway, adjacent to the Corridor's headquarters on Tuesday’s from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. through October 8, 2024.

“The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission is proud to support healthy cooking classes by Patti Green, in partnership with Highmark Western and Northeastern New York,” said Terry Alford, executive director, Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. “Educational opportunities like these are essential for our organization and the community we serve. By connecting families with the process of food production, we foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for healthy, sustainable eating. Understanding food is key to understanding culture. Aligned with our mission to integrate African American cultural significance into Buffalo’s history, these classes inspire cultural appreciation and community well-being.”

Buffalo Go Green will provide fresh produce and ingredients for the cooking demonstrations throughout the season.

Green shared, “I encourage everyone to embrace the bounty of the season and enjoy the fresh local produce available to us. Eating a variety of the produce available in season, provides the body with the nutrients it needs, supports the local community and promotes sustainability.”

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has long-supported Allison DeHonney’s efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable food system in Buffalo through Urban Fruits and Veggies, as well as Buffalo Go Green. Buffalo Go Green received a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Fund grant in 2021 for $370,000 to directly support the creation of a new mobile-unit that enabled the organization to meet Buffalo residents where they are with healthy produce, meals and programming.