Many residents in New Bedford lack easy access to fresh, affordable produce, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Like in many cities and towns throughout the country, many New Bedford residents live within designated food deserts, meaning there is no grocery store within a half mile radius. Because many residents don’t have cars, and live on very low incomes, it is our goal to improve existing systems to make fresh produce and other healthy items affordable and accessible to these individuals.
It is also our goal to provide all farmers, markets, and other food vendors with the ability to accept SNAP benefits. This will both give low-income individuals greater access to fresh and local produce, while also increasing the consumer base for local farmers and markets.
We are working to increase food access through the following: