Multiple US Communities Host Free Produce Markets Expanding Food Access

Across various U.S. communities, initiatives are underway to improve access to fresh and free produce to combat food insecurity. In Newfield, NY, the school district partners with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier to provide free produce during a kids farmers market as part of their Farm to School Program. New Rochelle, NY, launched a Mobile Vegetable Market that delivers free fresh produce to residents of the historically Black Lincoln Park neighborhood, addressing food access disparities heightened by local grocery store closures. In Portland, OR, immigrant farmers supply fresh, affordable produce directly to the community through the Adventist Health Produce Stand, ensuring proceeds go entirely to the farmers. Longmont, CO, hosts Summer Produce Pop-Ups in partnership with a local hospital and food rescue group, distributing seasonal fruits and vegetables to residents without barriers. Smithfield, UT, established a Healthy Harvest farm stand where community members can freely share and take excess garden produce, promoting nutrition and reducing waste as part of a broader Healthy Utah Community strategy.