“It touched my heart to know Fresh For All [Philabundances’s free produce market] does not ask for income information to receive fresh produce. A lot of the time I’m not eligible to receive food assistance because of my income,” shared Philabundance client, Marcy.
After working in customer service for over 30 years for Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), Marcy retired in 2014 and began teaching Sunday school at a youth outreach program. Just a year after retiring, Marcy fell down a flight of stairs in her home, requiring major leg surgery.
With her injury putting a strain on her mobility, consuming nutritious food is essential for her to lead the healthiest life she can.
Receiving one pension check a month, Marcy is in the same situation as many Americans and retirees; she’s not eligible for food assistance benefits, and bills and other expenses often take priority over purchasing healthy food.
Receiving one pension check a month, Marcy is in the same situation as many Americans and retirees; she’s not eligible for food assistance benefits, and bills and other expenses often take priority over purchasing healthy food.
Marcy heard about Philabundance’s free produce market in Northeast Philadelphia through her aunt. She’s been coming to the site for several months and loves the fresh fruits and vegetables Philabundance offers she and 200 of her fellow community members.
The service provided by Philabundance puts healthy food on the table for Marcy and her family, and allows her pension checks to go toward paying bills.
“Veggies at the supermarket are expensive,” she shares. “I love the strawberries, cantaloupe and broccoli I receive each week because I often make fruit salads and smoothies.”