FRESH FOR YOU: Free Produce Market

About This Project

*FRESH PRODUCE TO LOW INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS*

Using a refrigerated van from Second Harvest, deliver fresh produce monthly to low income neighborhoods. Produce would be sourced from Second Harvest, area farmers, or local supermarkets and staged for delivery at Second Harvest’s Thomasville warehouse. To pack freshvegetables and fruits, including onions, potatoes, corn, cucumbers, asparagus, eggplants, watermelons, and pineapples at Second Harvest, here in Thomasville. Second Harvest tries to get the produce at no cost through USDA and other sources. We pack on Thursday during our regular club meeting. On Saturdays, we meet at a Francis Weston Park to setup the free "Produce and food market'. Our club is determined to battle food deserts and insecurities in our community. We have an extraordinary group of motivated Rotarians, working alongside Second Harvest staff to deliver food to those in our community that need assistance.

In 2021, during our club's 100th year, we embarked on a mission to discover the most critical needs in our community. The results showed that diabetes, heart issues, and other health concerns affected a higher percentage of our residents compared to other parts of the country.

But we didn't stop there! We saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the quality of life for our neighbors by addressing this issue head-on. Our initiative to provide fresh, healthy foods to our underserved community members has been incredibly successful. Each month, our "Fresh For You - Free Produce Market" offers a diverse selection of nutritious fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other healthy goodies.

In its very first year, the market proudly served over 2,290 households, making a difference in the lives of about 9,160 individuals in total! Join us in celebrating the power of community and the joy of giving back.

Together, we're building a healthier, happier future for Thomasville and Thomas County, one fresh produce at a time!

Publicity / Public Image References:

• 7/22/23: Facebook post and photos published covering our efforts packing and sorting fruit and vegetables in preparation for FRESH FOR YOU - Free Produce Market July 2023. In all of our posts, we also recognize our ongoing partnership with Second Harvest of South Georgia, MNW Boys & Girls Club of Thomasville, and First Baptist of Thomasville, linked HERE.
• October 2023: Facebook post and photos published covering our Fresh Produce Market efforts in October 2023 linked HERE.
• November 2023: Story posted to website, included in November 2023, and submitted to District for newsletter covering our October 2023 fresh produce market linked HERE.
• December 2023: Featured story in District 6900’s December newsletter linked HERE.
• There were many other stories and photos published to the club website, included in monthly newsletters, and posted to our Facebook page each month from July through March and will continue to be posted through June that cover our pack and sort Rotary meetings at Second Harvest and our Saturday markets.