Guess what? Fresh good food is good for you.

Prince Edward Learning Centre’s fresh good food market, which brings lower cost, wholesale produce to local residents, is also bringing real, sustained improvements to the health of those able to take advantage.

The initiative is part of a network of community markets across the country increasing access to fresh vegetables with support from Community Food Centres Canada. CFC Canada also funds Greens Rx, a nation-wide research program that examines how direct access to fresh, affordable food affects the well-being of those who are low on funds and managing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Greens Rx offered local participants a 20-week subsidy, in the form of grocery cards for the Fresh Good Food Market, in exchange for completing regular surveys. While the program helped stretch food budgets, and encouraged more fruit and vegetable consumption, the health benefits were most notable.

Over half, 56 per cent of those studied, noticed an improvement in their health; of these, 84 per cent sustained these improvements after three months. Fresh fruits and vegetables were strongly linked to improved outcomes for chronic conditions, with 96 percent of participants reporting they were able to better manage their long-term health conditions.

“Unfortunately there is still a stigma around food access,” said Robyn Cakebread, Market Coordinator at PELC. “Being able to manage illness with food should be a basic right. The Greens Rx program supports people in finding a way to pursue their own well-being.”

Prince Edward Learning Centre executive director Kathy Kennedy recalled launching the Fresh Good Food Market in the middle of the pandemic, and admitted she didn’t think the program would still be running, let alone expanding, three years later.

About 150 families visit the market regularly. “We’ve completed a shopping basket comparison with local prices. We are about 39 per cent lower compared to grocery stores,” said Ms. Kennedy. “The market is for everyone, no matter income or socio-economic status. The great thing is the produce comes directly from the wholesaler that morning. It’s the freshest possible food so it lasts longer.”

In addition to transforming its Picton space into a wholesale market stand every Wednesday, a second, satellite market is held every other Saturday at Sophiasburgh’s Food Hub. Ms. Kennedy said plans are underway to bring a third  location to Consecon.

The market only operates with a whole host of volunteers and donated support. “There’s no revenue that comes back to PELC, anything made covers the cost of the produce. We are always looking for support and donations.”

Farmers are eligible for tax credits for contributions. Several local growers have taken advantage of the program.

For more information, please visit http://www.princeedwardlearningcentre.com/market/