United Way of Greater New Bedford brings fresh produce to Wareham

Jul 8, 2019

United Way of Greater New Bedford is bringing its Mobile Market to Wareham for the first time this summer.

The Mobile Market provides free, locally grown, fresh produce to low-income working families.

The Mobile Market’s primary focus is to remove the barriers that families often face when accessing fresh produce. By offering free produce after traditional work hours, families are given access to fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other produce they might not otherwise be able to obtain due to financial restraints or the hours traditional food pantries are open. 

“Over the past 4 years, Mobile Market has provided a valuable service by providing healthier options to families and individuals in New Bedford,” said Michelle N. Hantman, the President & CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford. “Now that the New Bedford Mobile Markets have steady followings and are running well, it’s time to expand our reach."

All markets are held from 5:30-7pm and will be available at each site every other week. Distribution begins Tuesdays in Wareham at 24 Sandwich Road beginning July 16th. For the full schedule, visit www.unitedwayofgnb.org/mobile-market.

The fresh produce distributed is grown locally by Sharing the Harvest Community Farm at the YMCA Southcoast Dartmouth. The Mobile Market New Bedford is sponsored by BankFive, whose employees also volunteer at many of the Mobile Markets throughout the season. Southcoast Health also supports the efforts by providing additional produce from their weekly farmers markets and by having its Mobile Health Van on site on select weeks for free health screenings. 

Qualifying families and individuals are invited to visit the Mobile Market every other week. Photo ID and proof of earned income are required. Families and individuals who do not qualify for Mobile Market are encourage to call 2-1-1 for information about local food pantries, many of which also provide fresh produce during the summer months in addition to bread, meat, and other food items.

To learn more about the Mobile Market, the Hunger Commission or United Way of Greater New Bedford, please visit unitedwayofgnb.org.