Buckeye Fresh Days connect farmers markets with families in need - cleveland.com

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Buckeye Fresh Days at farmers markets throughout Ohio are helping families in need access fresh, healthy produce, while also engaging members of the general public.

The first Northeast Ohio offering for 2020 takes place at the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market in Cleveland, 16906 Albers Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 2). Kamm’s Corners again hosts the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13.

Buckeye Health Plan organizes the statewide fresh produce initiative by working with farmers markets and community partners in Cleveland, Kent, Toledo and Cincinnati.

In honor of National Farmers Market Week, which kicks off Sunday (Aug. 2), Buckeye Health Plan is also partnering statewide with Produce Perks, an Ohio nonprofit that promotes healthy eating habits while addressing iniquities involved with food distribution and access.

Buckeye Health Plan members need only show their membership ID to earn a $10 voucher to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Children of plan members will receive a complimentary “Buckeye Buck” to purchase a healthy snack. Giveaways, recipes and educational activities are free to all patrons.

A pair of Produce Perks programs further incentivize healthy eating. Shoppers using SNAP and EBT cards will earn a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $25. Families with children can receive an additional $40 voucher by simply visiting the Produce Perks tent and verifying that they meet certain income requirements.

“Access to healthy, affordable food is a growing concern across the state, impacting many low-income communities where our members live,” said Steve Province, president and CEO of Buckeye Health Plan.

“Buckeye is honored to partner with local farmers and Produce Perks to introduce our members to affordable, healthy food options in their back yard and provide them with financial support to purchase fresh produce.”

The coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the job market have compelled many families to sacrifice healthy eating habits. Even prior to the extraordinary events of 2020, much of the Buckeye State had trouble putting food on the table.

A 2018 Policy Matters Ohio report, citing the the U.S. Department of Agriculture, categorizes nearly 15 percent of Ohioans as food insecure.

Counterintuitively, poverty and food insecurity frequently result in weight-related health issues since processed foods often cost less and are more readily available to many consumers.

According to a 2012 study by the CDC, 65 percent of the state’s adults were overweight, as were many children and adolescents. The study indicated that lower-than-recommended levels of produce consumption, along with other dietary and lifestyle factors, contributed to the health concerns.

Buckeye Health Plan provides managed healthcare to Ohio residents through Medicare, Medicaid, MyCare Ohio and health insurance exchanges.

In addition to the two Kamm’s Corners events, Buckeye Fresh Days will take place at several other locations throughout the state.

Kent’s Haymaker Farmers Market plays host from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 and Sept. 12.

Toledo Farmers Market will be the site for Aug. 29 and Sept. 26 offerings, both of which run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Findlay Market in Cincinnati provides the venue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 and Sept. 19.

Read more from the Sun Post Herald.

The Link Lonk


July 30, 2020 at 11:51PM
https://www.cleveland.com/community/2020/07/buckeye-fresh-days-connect-farmers-markets-with-families-in-need.html

Buckeye Fresh Days connect farmers markets with families in need - cleveland.com

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