THORNTON, Colo. — Residents in Thornton now have healthier food options thanks to this week's 7Everyday Hero
Josh Gardner is the mastermind behind Thornton's healthy farmers' markets. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, about 10 local vendors set up shop outside Anythink Libraries at 5877 E. 120th Avenue. The market offers residents in low-income areas more access to farm fresh options.
"The idea is to bring that to the community — some of these healthier choices make it easier to do that," said Judy Fowle, who also helps organize the market.
To increase healthy food accessibility, both WIC and SNAP are accepted at these farmers’ markets. Additionally, visitors can join representatives at the Tri-County Health Department booth for information about WIC and SNAP services.
Shoppers can also get RTD vouchers and one booth even teaches people how to grocery shop and read labels.
"Sometimes the kids don't even know what veggies are, so it's good to show them that," said Carin Christoffersen of Lulu's Farm.
You could say Gardner, who's a National Guardsman, was born to help people. All of his time with the farmers markets is volunteered and seeing his community thrive is the best payment of all.
"There was a need, something needed to be done, I saw a lot of community members that wanted to see this there and I felt like I could help to do something about it," he said.
Anythink Libraries Healthy Farmers Markets are held weekly at both Anythink Huron Street (Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Anythink Wright Farms (Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m.) through the second week of October.
Molly Hendrickson anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30-7 a.m. She also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Molly on Facebook here and Twitter here. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
