Edna Canter and her husband, Bill Burdette, from Chauncey, Ohio, are both unemployed and rely on government assistance for daily necessities. Because money is tight, they struggle to afford healthy food options from grocery stores.
Even with food stamps
I can't always afford fresh foods and vegetables Canter said.
The couple is not alone in its struggle. More than 100 families flocked to a produce drop Saturday at the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services parking lot in Chauncey, where 20 volunteers from Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 73 Central Ave., sorted vegetables and assisted families in need.
It's hard for me to afford produce at the grocery store and this market makes it really easy for me to get fresh vegetables Canter said.
The Second Harvest Foodbank of Southeastern Ohio, 1005 C.I.C. Dr. in Logan donated vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini and squash, said church volunteer Drea Osterbur. The foodbank receives overstock food donations from major food manufacturers and wholesalers in Hocking, Athens and Perry Communities.
Although the free produce at the market is intended for families below the poverty level, everyone is welcome to come and pick up what they want.
I think some people come in thinking it is a farmers' market and are shocked when they don't have to pay for anything
said volunteer Janie Henderson, a third year Ohio University doctoral student in Media Arts and Studies.
A plumber and electrician from Albany, Joe Rabwany said he came to the market not because he cannot afford vegetables at the grocery store, but because he does not like to see food go to waste.
Veggies and other produce are so expensive at the grocery store and it's nice to see this food being distributed to people who need it and can't afford it
Rabwany said.
Canter said fresh produce is important to her and her family, adding that although her four children do not live with her, she wants to have fresh vegetables when they visit.
She said she tries to grow her own vegetables in the summer, and the market allows her to freeze produce to eat in the winter.
I really appreciate all of this donated produce
Canter said. It really helps me out a lot.
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Laura Service
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