CLEVELAND — Food Access Raises Everyone (FARE), along with the city of Cleveland, West Side Market and Produce Perks Midwest, has announced the return of the Produce Perks program this weekend.
Produce Perks will offer $240 in free fruit and vegetable coupons to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible families according to FARE.
“We are pleased to bring Produce Perks back to West Side Market,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “The data from last year’s pilot shows that this program benefitted residents across the city as well as the hardworking produce vendors at our market.”
Produce Perks was first tried last year at the West Side Market. Coupons were distributed to needy families worth $35,000. The turnout at last year's pilot program was considered a massive success seeing a 95% redemption rate among users compared to the state of Ohio's 54% redemption rate.
All West Side Market produce vendors are participating in this year's program.
FARE will be at the West Side Market on this Saturday (May 20) to assess eligibility and distribute coupons. Healthy cooking demonstrations will be held on-site as well by Chef Ja'Milla Hatchet-Bey.
Coupons must be redeemed at the West Side Market by June 20, 2023.
For more information on the program and to see if you may be eligible, visit produceperks.org/wsm.
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3News' recent coverage on the West Side Market receiving ARPA funds for building repairs: