United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Mobile Market will begin distributing free, fresh produce to low-income working families on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting July 12.
Now in its eighth season, Mobile Market aims to remove the barriers families often face in getting fresh produce. By offering free produce after traditional work hours, United Way gives families access to fruits, vegetables, and other items they might not otherwise be able to obtain due to financial restraints or the hours traditional food pantries are open.
“We’ve all been feeling the impact of inflation due to the pandemic, and this is causing families to forgo healthy options,” said Victoria Grasela, VP of Marketing & Community Engagement. “Mobile Market pushes barriers like this aside and allows families the access to produce that will improve their overall health and wellness. We are committed to easing some of the stress families are feeling right now.”
Markets are held each week in Wareham and New Bedford and run from 5:30 to 7 pm or until all food is distributed. In Wareham, markets are held on Tuesdays at Wareham Middle School, located at 4 Viking Drive. In New Bedford, markets alternate between BankFive locations in the North and South ends of the city – located at 1724 Acushnet Ave. and 160 County St. on Thursday evenings. To view the full schedule, visit www.unitedwayofgnb.org/mobile-market.
The produce is grown locally at Sharing the Harvest Community Farm at the YMCA Southcoast Dartmouth. Produce varies from week to week depending on the growing season. Mobile Market New Bedford is sponsored by BankFive, and Mobile Market Wareham is sponsored by Southcoast Health – both of whose employees also volunteer at many of the Mobile Markets throughout the season.
Qualifying families and individuals are invited to visit the Mobile Market every other week. Pre-registration is encouraged electronically to reduce both wait times and the spread of germs, but registration may also be done on site. Pre-registration does NOT guarantee produce, we serve on a first come, first served basis. Anyone not vaccinated is required to wear a mask.
Families and individuals who are able to visit a food pantry during traditional hours are encouraged to do so – pantries distribute fresh produce from Sharing the Harvest, in addition to bread, meat, dairy, and other food items.