Local farmer’s market offers fresh, healthy alternatives

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People like David aRusso will tell you, “There’s nothing like fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Just last week, there was a variety of fresh and native vegetables inside the Aime J. Forand Housing Complex – one of many subsidized units that aRusso oversees as Executive Director of the Johnston Housing Authority.

It’s all part of a program the JHA holds in conjunction with the Johnston Senior Center’s Rhode Island Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program that affords tenants an opportunity to receive a $15 voucher and do their shopping on site at places like the Forand Complex.

“This is such a wonderful program,” aRusso said during Tuesday’s 3rd Annual Farmer’s Market. “Our residents benefit from fresh locally grown produce and at the same time we are supporting our local farms. We hope to continue this event annually.”

For two hours Tuesday, Roger and Pat Phillips set up their traveling White Oak Farm stand inside the Forand Community Room and offered green peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions, squash, strawberries and blueberries that filled many bags and created smiles on dozens of tenant’s faces.

JSC Assistant Director Millie Santilli hosted White Oak Farm on Tuesday, and this week’s program was a Resident Services event – the biggest of the year at the Forand Complex – that Jessica Layden coordinates in conjunction with Senior Center and Farmer’s Market officials.

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Management and the Federal Department of Agriculture. In order to receive a voucher, each person must meet specific income guidelines.

Santilli, meanwhile, announced that White Oak Farm will set up its stand at the Johnston Senior Center next Tuesday – Aug. 15 – as well as Aug. 22 and 29. Hours for shopping are 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

For more information please call the JSC at 944-3343 during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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