Farmers market connects residents with locally grown produce

Residents at two Johnston Housing Authority facilities recently enjoyed a farmers market shopping spree.

“It was all part of the Market Nutrition Program,” said Jessica Lemieux, resident service coordinator for the Johnston Housing Authority. “Each resident that participated received a $15 senior farmers market voucher to shop at two different locations in town.”

Lemieux said Brian Knight of Confreda Farms set up a real farm stand at both the Amie J. Forand Housing Complex on Greenville Avenue and Claiborne Pell Manor off Plainfield Street for the recent market.

And, as Lemieux later explained: “Residents at both housing developments were able to pick from summer squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and corn and green bell peppers.”

David aRusso, executive director of the Johnston Housing Authority, said the farmers market was “well-received and a big success, mostly because all the products were home grown.”

Lemieux, who coordinated the farmers market, added: “The farmers market ensured that each resident had access to fresh vegetables, and with many home-bound residents fresh vegetables are not always easily accessible.”

Both Lemieux and aRusso received numerous compliments from residents at the Forand Complex and Pell Manor in regards to the farmers market and expressed their hopes that it will become an annual event.