Veggies from heaven

Seacoast Eat Local, home of New Hampshire’s first (and Foundation-supported) mobile market —SAMM— has continued to provide healthy food to families in need but with a twist during the 2020 season.

To meet the increased need of the times, SAMM has shifted towards donating (not selling) fresh local food to senior housing centers and food pantries and has uplifted other community partners along the way.

We caught up with a recipient food pantry, Red Good Vibe’s, a grassroots organization founded by two sisters in honor of their brother, Red, who passed away a few years ago. The nonprofit uses volunteers to deliver essential items to families/older adults in NH/the North Shore of MA. One key ingredient that was missing- FRESH food. Now, thanks to the SAMM market and our funding, the deliveries include, as the sisters call it, “veggies from heaven” and healthy recipe cards.

Where are the veggies really coming from? Farmer Josh! In a typical year, Josh sells 95% of his produce to local Portsmouth-area restaurants. Knowing these farmers would be hurt this season due to COVID, Celeste, the SAMM market manager, has intentionally sought out partnerships with these local farmers for her produce.

Robust local food systems empower communities to be healthier and we are proud our grant partner, Seacoast Eat Local, is doing just that!