Scott Stringer for Manhattan Borough President

Students from PS 72 in East Harlem learned Friday that it's good for them to eat fresh food, while at the same time supporting local farmers. It's all part of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's Go Green East Harlem initiative.

"We can get the next generation of East Harlem residents to think about going green and the best way is to let kids be exposed to what a farmers market is, give them an opportunity to spend money so that they can take the food back home," Stringer said.

As obesity and diabetes rates have risen across the city, there has been increased pressure for schools to be places where students can learn about healthy living, and that includes eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.

"We want to give kids the exposure they need, not only in school but out of school," said PS 72 teacher Tami Ratto.

"We picked some healthy vegetables so that we can grow and be strong and not be sick," said one PS 72 student.

The Youth Bucks are based on another city program called Health Bucks. For every $5 in food stamps shoppers spend at farmers markets, they get an extra two health bucks.

On a typical day, the Union Settlement Farmers Market says it hands out $500 worth of Health Bucks.

"We are actually in East Harlem, which is a community where people receive a lot of food subsidies, and so for us this is a great fit," said Harvest Homes Farmers Markets CEO Maritza Owens.

Organizers hope the field trips will encourage more East Harlem residents to start getting food from the farmers rather than the processed food aisle.

"There is not as many supermarkets in East Harlem as there are in other areas of the city, so it is important to let the kids know about purchasing healthy foods and eating healthy foods," said David Nocenti of the Union Settlement Association.

--Lindsey Christ