The Fall River Housing Authority held its first "Veggie-mobile" event of the season at the Father Diaferio Village on August 22, 2012. These events bring farmers to housing developments with fresh produce to make it more accessible to residents. "Not all of our residents are able to get to the Ruggles or other farmers' markets, and this event gives them some of the same choices to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Partners employee Annemarie Sharkey was available  exchange EBT SNAP benefits for tokens that can be used with these and other farmers at the City's four active the markets. Director of Family and Youth Services Joseph DaSilva worked to arrange the event with Ms. Sharkey. "Joe's been doing some good things in conjunction with Heatlhy City Fall River as far as making the lives of our residents healthy," commented Housing Authority Director of Field Operations James Comer. This activity is one example of the many events organized by the Housing Authority to build community and promote health among over 20,000 residents of public housing in Fall River. Click here to see a short video of the event. Click here to see photos of other Veggie-mobiles.. To see pictures of recent event at Father D's click here, and for other activities that take place in the housing developments, click here, here, here and here. For more information about activities in the Housing Authority developments, contact Youth Coordinator Joseph DaSilva at 508-675-3527. For information about the City's farmers' markets, contact Annemarie Sharkey at  508-679-0922.
 

(Top row, left)  Susan Wood sets up baskets of peppers from their Apponagansett Farm where they also offer Community Supported Agriculture in the spring. (Top row, center) Allie Smith and Mary Mehri of the Quansett Gardens farm in Dartmouth set up their table in front of the office at Father Diaferio Village. (Top row, right) Director of Family and Youth Services Joseph DaSilva, right, greets some of the residents as they come to the market. (Middle row, right) Housing Authority Director of Field Operations James Comer selects some peaches and apples while Annemarie Sharkey, in the background to his left, exchanges EBT SNAP benefits for tokens that can be used at this and other markets in the City. (Bottom row, right) Nyomi Geigel and Jaileen Ramos look over the pears.