The first farmers market aimed at serving Jersey City's Greenville community had a successful debut yesterday with residents lining up to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods.

“It’s awesome,” Mike Greco said while he waited in line to purchase fresh produce at the farmers market located in front of New Jersey City University’s John J. Moore Athletic and Fitness Center on Culver Avenue near West Side Avenue.

“We needed something like this here because the closest thing is the Pathmark on Route 440 and that’s definitely a car ride or a bus ride,” Greco said.

Redstone Neighborhood Association President Julio Leiva said his organization, in conjunction with NJCU, set up the farmers market, which will return every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Aug. 28.

The market will be closed on Aug. 11.

"We spearheaded this initiative and we will continue to engage other venders to bring fresh fruits, vegetables fruits and other specializes vendors for residents," Leiva said.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop strolled around the farmers market eating blueberries in the warm breezy weather. He said the city started a fitness program for seniors at the athletic center, adding that “access to healthy food is important so we started the farmers market…I’m sure the students will come too.”

Ken Kolaska of Monroe-based Farmer Al’s was busy behind the counter selling produce and plants.

"It's going very well, we are very busy and everyone is buying," said Kolaska.



Ice pops were also for sale at the market as was original art work by Richard Lorovere. The art featured Jersey City subjects and architecture in water colors, color pencil, pen and ink.

Jersey City Council President Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr. and Councilman Khemraj “Chico” Ramchal also made appearances at the market.