April 1st marked the debut of the Fresh Market at United Methodist Community House. Fresh Market Coordinator Deja VanOeveren-Goss says the goal of the market is to create more areas for food equity in Grand Rapids, specifically the South East side.
"Our mission is quite literally to increase the ability of children, youth adults and families to succeed in a diverse community," she said, "...We’re addressing economic problems, we're addressing socioeconomic problems, we’re addressing problems of racial disparity, because predominately the people who are suffering from lack of access are people of color."
VanOveren-Goss said the Fresh Market comes after a series of conversations, studies and surveys with the community, which showed a need for healthy, affordable and accessible food options.
"One in four are struggling with food security in Kent County," she said, "..The impact goes not only through the children of our community but all the way up, not having access to these things causes all sorts of health problems."
The market is working with local growers to bring produce to the table and will offer a sliding scale payment method based on income to keep goods affordable. Snap and EBT payment methods, along with cash and cards will also be accepted.
"Everybody deserves quality, everybody deserves to be healthy and everybody deserves to eat healthy,” VanOveren-Goss said.
Online orders, delivery and pick-up shopping methods are available. For more information on the Fresh Market, click here.
