As the pandemic continues, so do the struggles of residents in Greater New Bedford. United Way of Greater New Bedford is hoping to help residents by hosting a Winter Mobile Market in February to provide free produce, soup, and non-perishable food to those who need a little extra help.
Markets will take place on Tuesday nights from 5:30 – 7pm alternating between New Bedford and Wareham locations. No registration, ID, or proof of residence is needed to receive food. Face masks are required for anyone who attends.
“The challenges of COVID are still persisting and we want to be as supportive as we can and ease some of the burdens residents are facing like the rise in cost of groceries,” said Victoria Grasela, VP of Marketing & Community Engagement. “By providing a variety of food items for free, we are allowing residents to save on their grocery bill and not forgo some of those healthier items like vegetables that are typically more expensive.”
This is not the first time United Way has hosted Mobile Markets. Their traditional season has run for the past seven summers and in 2021 they hosted a Winter Mobile Market for the first time. Mobile Markets began as a way to remove barriers for those needing food – more specifically fresh produce that is often less obtainable for those on tight budgets. Markets are held in the evenings to allow those who have traditional working hours to have access to food since traditional food pantries have mid-day hours.
New Bedford Mobile Markets will be held at BankFive located at 1724 Acushnet Avenue on February 1st and 15th. The Wareham Mobile Market location is TBD. Markets are weather permitting – check unitedwayofgnb.org or United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Facebook page.
In addition to Mobile Market, United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Hunger Commission continues to provide food and logistical support free of charge to programs that support families and individuals in need. Program partners include established pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and Council on Aging centers.
