MORENCI — Morenci may be without a grocery store, but that doesn’t mean there’s no access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
The ProMedica Veggie Mobile comes to the rescue every Thursday morning at two locations. Like a traveling farmer’s market, the Veggie Mobile offers an array of fresh produce to shoppers.
Selection varies each week, but popular items including apples, bananas, potatoes, onions and berries are always in stock. A recent selection also included cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, clementines, grapes, lemons and more.
The Veggie Mobile was launched by ProMedica in 2013 with the goal of improving the health of county residents via good food. Initial funding was bolstered by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Lenawee Health Network.
Morenci was added to the circuit in 2014 and the truck currently stops in 19 other locations around the county. From 10 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, the Veggie Mobile parks in front of Candyland Child Care on North Summit Street in Morenci. From 10:30 to 11 the truck is at the Morenci Senior Center at the Lutheran Church on West Chestnut Street.
Cash, credit card and EBT cards are accepted for payment.
The majority of the produce is purchased from Ciolino Fruit and Vegetable Market near Temperance, but more local produce is added throughout the summer. Needle Lane Farm near Tipton often supplies organic vegetables.
“We’ll be getting more locally-grown produce soon,” said driver Nathan Letson. “We do accept food from local farmers.”
Call 517-577-1020 for more information.
ProMedica Farms also grows food to place on the truck.
“Our hoop house is looking beautiful,” Letson said.
Volunteer opportunities are available at the farm, located just north of ProMedica Hickman Hospital.
