FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries) is launching a new food program September 9th! The program, called the Farm Market, will offer locally sourced fresh produce along with pantry staples, including milk, honey, and eggs.
For many years FROM participants have expressed the difficulty in affording fresh fruits and vegetables. This paid model program will help ensure families have access to healthy produce at affordable prices. This is similar to how the Food Pantry helps current participants access healthy food, as one food pantry participants shared, “the [Food] Pantry helps me eat better and be able to direct my fixed income toward necessary expenses.”
The Farm Market will be located in the FROM Treasure’s Thrift Shop and the produce will be sourced from their partnering local farmers. This program follows in the footsteps of other local nonprofits including North Kent Connect and UCOM (United Church Outreach Ministries) who launched similar programs nearly 5 years ago.
The Farm Market is focusing on making sure locally sourced produce is accessible to families in the Greater Lowell Community who are earning less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Families and individuals above this income level are welcome to shop as well! Purchasing produce will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.
“Although we have many farms surrounding Lowell, it can be hard to get that produce into the hands of families in our community who need it most,” Kelly Glas, FROM Healthy Food Program Coordinator, said. “By working directly with local farmers, we have the opportunity to bring fresh produce to a community hub location. This also gives us the opportunity to sell the produce at affordable prices so that those in our community who don’t have access to, or can’t typically afford healthy fresh produce, can come and purchase quality items for their families.”
Do you want to help make the Farm Market thrive? You can also show your support for the new program by volunteering at the Farm Market visiting the market, purchasing items, and spreading the word.
This program wouldn’t be possible without your support and support from King Milling Co. and Lowell Area Community Fund who have helped launch the Farm Market.
The Farm Market will be open during Treasures Thrift Store hours (Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM). For more information, or to sign up to volunteer please visit www.fromlowell.org or reach out to FROM directly at info@fromlowell.org or (616) 897-8260.
