BLOG

Tacoma’s Fresh Mobile Market At The South Sound Sustainability Expo

05 Jun 2023, by Admin in Harvest Blog, Tacoma Farmers Market

Danyelle is an AmeriCorps member serving in Harvest VISTA Program focused on the sustainable agriculture/food programs. She is serving at the Tacoma Farmers Market as Fresh Express Mobile Farmers Market VISTA in Washington. Her service will help to bring fresh fruit and vegetables to low-income communities where individuals and families can utilize the SNAP EBT incentive program. Her goal will be to help alleviate poverty in Pierce County.

On a warm Saturday in April, the Fresh Express Mobile Market (FEMM) set up for their first outreach event of the season. For 15 years, the South Sound Sustainability Expo has been the region’s largest community celebration of all things sustainable, spotlighting environmental sustainability organizations from around the region. It is a free, family-friendly event that features activities, presentations, performances, and art exhibits all in the name of sustainability. This event was held on the University of Washington’s Tacoma campus. 

In addition to tabling, there was also a market for shoppers to purchase seasonal produce. The weather provided the market with a great turnout. It was an opportunity to showcase the produce that is available right now, including leeks, potatoes, mushrooms, and rhubarb. With funding provided by the City of Tacoma, free fruit for everyone was offered. They had their choice of apples or pears. This was a great opportunity to get the word out about the FEMM locations by handing out flyers. The VISTA assisted shoppers in explaining how the SNAP benefit program works. 

Overall, it was fun and inspiring to see how happy people were to have fresh, local produce to purchase now that spring is here. Events such as this help to engage the community with education and recognizes the importance of sustainability, and how each individual’s personal responsibility to the environment celebrates the ongoing contribution to ensuring a more sustainable future for everyone.