The Inn of the Good Shepherd will soon begin a much-needed summer program to offer fresh produce to residents who may consider fruits and vegetables "a luxury."
The Inn of the Good Shepherd will begin operating its Mobile Market program on July 2, and it will continue until the end of October.
"It's a shame that eating healthy is considered a luxury or treat," said Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni. "With Mobile Market, we'll see about 1,200 people every week, about 6,000 pounds of vegetables and fruits that we distribute so it's a great health program."
Vanni said a truck will visit 17 neighbourhoods in Sarnia-Lambton and will usually provide eight to 10 items. Typical items may include corn, cabbage, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and carrots.
"We've got some great farmers that supply us and donate to us, others we purchase from," Vanni said.
The Mobile Market will visit each location every week for one hour. Scheduling details can be found below.
Two new locations were added this year, including the Sombra Library.
During each Mobile Market stop, a box full of school snacks will also be provided to eligible families with young children.
Vanni said the Snack Pack program is meant to bridge the gap during the summer break when students aren't receiving nutritious snacks at school.
Each snack pack includes roughly 21 items (or three snacks per day) including fruit, cheese strings, yogurt tubes, juice boxes, and other snacks.
Donations to the Snack Pack or Mobile Market programs can be dropped off at the Inn, located at 115 John St.
During July and August, the Inn will also be accepting donations of school supplies in preparation for the upcoming school season.
Backpacks filled with age-specific supplies and snacks will be distributed on August 24 at Temple Baptist Church and at the Inn on August 28 and August 29 during the morning hours.
