Fall River’s low-income seniors have had the opportunity to purchase fresh produce from local farmers right outside the door to their high rise apartment buildings over the summer of 2011. In order to publicize this service for the fall, Fall River Housing Authority Family and Youth Services Coordinator Joseph DaSilva arranged to have Phil Sabatino of  the Fall River Government Channel videotape a short segment on October 3, 2011 to alert the residents to the service that will extend into late November. Healthy City Fall River Market Coordinator Annemarie Sharkey was also on hand to exchange SNAP benefits for farmers' market tokens that can be used at the Kennedy Park, Ruggles Park and Old Second Street farmers' markets. Most seniors are also eligible for $25 in free coupons that are distributed every summer and can be used at local farmers' markets. Other farmers have visited the Bishop Eid, Cardinal Medeiros, Holmes and Mitchell Heights apartments since the program began. For more information, contact Joseph DaSilva at 508-675-3527 or Annemarie Sharkey at 508-679-0922. (Some photos courtesy of Annemarie Sharkey)

(Top row, left) Mary Mehri of the Quansett Gardens farm in Dartmouth, MA, puts out fresh tomatoes and apples outside the O'Brien Apartments on Second Street. (Top row, center) Mary DaSilva picks out a turnip while Mr. Sabatino from the Fall River Government Channel sets up his camera in the background. (Top row, right) Josepha Gonsalves asks Ms. Mehri about the various types of apples she has for sale. (Middle row) O'Brien Apartment resident Denise Dufour picks out some produce to purchase while Mr. Sabatino videotapes the transaction. (Bottom row) Fall River Housing Authority Family and Youth Services Coordinator Joseph DaSilva invites Healthy City Fall River coordinator and Healthy City Fall River Market Coordinator Annemarie Sharkey to join him to describe different aspects of the program.