Michel Nischan Feeds Bridgeport

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, than a pound of eggplant must be worth a lot by any standard. In this Treading Lightly segment, local chef Michel Nischan talks about bringing fresh veg to people in inner city Bridgeport. With a death of fresh food options in America's inner cities, simultaneous obesity and malnutrition is becoming increasing common. In "food deserts" the cost of fresh food can be prohibitive and, oftentimes, the cheapest source of calories is more likely a Pop-Tart than an orange. 

Wholesome Wave was founded by Nischan and Gus Schumacher, a former MA Commissioner of Agriculture under Michael Dukakis, to help solve this problem. During his tenure as Commissioner, Schumacher started a program that allowed low-income mothers to use their WIC vouchers at local farmers markets. Now, in Connecticut and around the country, shoppers can use WIC checks, SNAP-EBT Food Stamps and FMNP Senior Vouchers at most farmers markets. And the Wholesome Wave initiative, which allows subsidized shoppers to get double the produce, is now alive in 15 states and the District. 

The Wholesome Wave/Park City Harvest website will have updates about new market locations and other important information for the upcoming season. But Chef Nischan isn't just coordinating markets these days. He has a new cookbook out, called Sustainably Delicious.  And if you're looking for more recipes, visit Wholesome Wave's foodie blog: Chew On This.