Area Leaders Seeks Fresh Produce Donations

ZANESVILLE- Ohio- Area leaders are creating ways to get locals exposed to a healthy lifestyle.

The United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan counties have successfully opened ‘Donation Station’ at the Farmers Market and will be partnering this year with the Health Department, Muskingum County WIC Program and Genesis to offer some onsite cooking demos and nutrition information. Now the United Way is asking folks to donate fresh produce and/or cash and they will buy fresh produce at the Zanesville Farmers Market. As a result, local farmers can send those donations into hot meal programs for local food pantry sites.

"The great thing about donation station is that it offers a place for people to volunteer and also give back to the community in a way that we can’t really get anywhere else."
said Becky Clawson, Community Impact Director, United Way. "We’re able to to offer them nutrition offering, fresh produce, and not all of the salt and preservatives that are found in a canned of even frozen product."

Claire Gately said for the last 10 years they have given the WIC participants coupons to purchase fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market. She said this is the first year they’re collaborating with the United Way.

"Each participate will get $20 worth of coupons. They will get four coupons, $5 a piece to use throughout the season. The season runs from now until October 31st," said Claire Gately, Dietitian, Muskingum County WIC.

Donation station is offered at the Farmer’s Market each Saturday from 9 a.m to 12 p.m at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds.