Mo
ments after receiving his bag of produce from Tuesday’s Ypsilanti Farmers Market, YMOW client Michael was already dreaming of how he would prepare his peaches, green beans and tomatoes.
“I think I’ll try searing the beans,” Michael said – a change from his usual steaming method.
Garden-grown tomatoes, sweet peaches and crisp green beans are some of the best things about summer in Michigan. But for many of our homebound neighbors, these simple pleasures are simply unattainable.
“Shopping is not trivial,” Michael said. While he could take a bus to the local farmer’s market or grocery store, the walking and carrying involved with a shopping trip are too much for him. Instead, he relies on Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels.
Thanks to the Washtenaw County Health Department’s Senior Project, Michael and others can now rely on YMOW to shop the local farmers market for him. YMOW is serving as a proxy for seven clients who expressed interest in receiving fresh fruits, vegetables and other items from the Ypsilanti Farmers Market. Using vouchers obtained through the Senior Project, YMOW staff and volunteers peruse the market for the freshest and tastiest foods to supplement the clients’ diets.
Michael said he is fortunate to still have the ability to stand at his counter and prepare his Farmers Market finds.