Tomatoes picked straight off the vine and eaten with a dash of salt behind the woodshed.
This is just one of Rosalind Fowler-Dunmore’s childhood memories of visiting her family’s garden in the countryside.
For Rosalind, now a senior, it’s no longer that simple to find fresh, delicious produce. The DC resident says, without direct access to a garden, she struggles to get the fruits and vegetables she loves. When she goes to the grocery store, Rosalind is shocked to see how much the price of produce has increased. And the higher prices don’t always mean higher quality: at her nearest store, she often finds that the cucumbers are soft, and the tomatoes lack taste.
We met Rosalind at the our newly launched Silver Market, which offers seniors a new option for accessing high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables. Income-eligible seniors ages 55 and up can schedule an appointment to come and “shop” at the market, which is set up like a farmers market. With an emphasis on fresh produce and frozen protein items, seniors are able to access the nutritious foods that they want and need for a balanced diet.
“With the heightened prices, you go to the grocery store and buy five items that aren’t even enough to make a full meal.”
Rosalind Fowler-Dunmore
From corn on the cob to blackberries, the produce selection is seasonal and often comes from local farmers. Rosalind looks forward to receiving her items as it means she can make the recipes she grew up eating for herself and her husband.
“This is a lifesaver,” Rosalind says.
The Silver Market also serves as a place for clients to obtain other services, in addition to a selection of fresh produce. The food bank’s Nutrition Education team was on site at the inaugural market to pass out samples of a delicious corn and bean salad, along with recipe cards on how to use the produce at home.
In partnership with UPO DC, Silver Market will be held on the third Wednesday of the month through December at the Petey Greene Community Service Center at 2907 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE.
For information on how to register, please contact Wanda Dudley at (202) 231-7923 or silvermarket@upo.org. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, however, limited walk-in slots will be available.