Vancouver Housing Authority apartments are hosting farmers markets where the produce is free for residents, thanks to a multi-agency partnership.
The housing agency is working with Washington State University Clark County Extension and Vancouver Farmers Market to bring free, fresh produce to its apartment complexes until June. Staff from the Vancouver Farmers Market recruit local farmers to offer fruits and vegetables at the housing complexes. The WSU Clark County SNAP-Ed program provides education on preparing healthy meals with the produce, among other necessary skills.
“This is a really powerful example of how food access initiatives can at the same time support food insecure families while also strengthening our local agricultural economy. Every dollar that goes into this program is going back to our local farms,” said Stephanie Clark, director of partnerships and programs for the Vancouver Farmers Market.
The goal is to reach 1,800 families through the weekly, shopping-style program rotating through VHA’s buildings. About 11 percent of Clark County residents experience food insecurity.
“It is so important to bring fresh produce to communities who might not otherwise have access to nutrient-dense produce or exposure to seasonal produce,” Clark said.
Kristine Perry, interim director for the SNAP-Ed program, said the WSU Extension offers multilingual education and resources.
Perry said the goal is to help families “access farm fresh produce with dignity.”
The program will offer different resources to meet the needs of those living at each apartment complex, whether they’re older adults, people exiting homelessness or families.
“It’s about tailoring it to our audiences again and again and not making assumptions about what the needs are,” Perry said. “We’re learning as we go, because every single week is a different site that has different circumstances and a different community of people.”
Clark and Perry said this program has been successful because different groups are bringing their expertise to the table with the shared goal of helping the community.
“All of us have a role to be able to support and make sure that people have access to healthy foods,” Perry said. “It’s a right for everyone.”
