The Sweat Sessions: July 11/25 & August 8/22 | 45-Minute Classes at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, & 7:30pm  at Hudson River Park’s 14th Street Park (10th Ave. btw. W. 14th & 15th Sts.) | The Meatpacking BID, the Wellth Collective, and the Google Store team up to bring you free, al fresco fitness classes from some of NYC’s top trainers and gyms/boutiques. Yoga, bootcamp, dance cardio, boxing, pilates and more are sure to make you sweat thanks to the challenging pace and the series’ cruel-to-be-kind placement on the calendar (if not the height of summertime heat, then likely to hover around whatever number ends up claiming the top spot). New this year, to Sessions: You’ll have the opportunity to borrow a Google Pixel Watch or Fitbit Versa 4 to track your workout. (Bring a government issued ID to the session, to borrow the equipment and track the number of calories burned, Active Zone Minutes, and more.) For the full schedule of Sessions content, click here. To RSVP (required), click here. Note: Proper athletic attire must be worn.  Arrivals after 10+ minutes into a class will not be permitted to participate. Notices of cancellation or postponement due to inclement weather will be emailed in advance of each class. Participants must supply their own mat (because it’s gonna get, you know, all sweaty).

Food Bag Program/Fresh Food for Seniors Begins Monday, July 1 | Don’t balk at the program’s title. Sure, it’s well-designed with seniors in mind—but local residents of all ages are able to participate. By doing so, they’ll have access to fresh fruits and vegetables from farms near New York City, for just $10 a bag. Last year, notes NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher, “We distributed 1,309 bags of fresh produce as part of this program.” Starting on Monday, July 1, notes the Council Member, you can “visit one of our participating senior centers (see list below) and sign up for the program by paying $10 for a bag. The following week, you’ll pick up your pre-packed food bag, filled with the fruits and vegetables that are in season.” This program is offered by Bottcher’s District 3 office in partnership with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Our team,” says the Council Member, “gets together in the morning on delivery days to prep the bags…and we always need volunteers! If you’re interested in volunteering, please click here.”

Down to Earth Farmers Market Chelsea: Satudays, 9am-2pm | Seasonal, local food by vendors you can rely on for the basics and trust when it comes to embracing new cuisine and ingredients is the great strength of this weekly Market that pops up Saturdays, 9am-2pm, on West 23rd Street Off of Ninth Ave. A tip worth taking: Click here to sign up for their newsletter, and every week you’ll get a preview of what’s so special about the next Market.  Also a source of food for thought in advance of each Saturday’s Market: A visit to its online presecce (click here to do so). A new addition for 2024: Textile Recycling! Bring your linens, old clothes, shoes, torn, stained, or new to recycle (look for the green bin). Also Note: Food Benefit Programs are welcome. Go to the Manager’s Tent to use your SNAP EBT card and get tokens to spend with the vendors. Matching Health Bucks are available ($2 for every $2 withdrawn, up to $10). FMNP vouchers can be used June-November. For a full explanation of benefits, visit this link. NYC residents who have questions about the FMNP program can dial 311.

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