Oak Creek, Wis–July 9– Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables will soon go directly from the Oak Creek Farmers Market to local food pantries thanks to a new initiative designed to support both local farmers and families facing food insecurity.

This weekend, the Oak Creek Farmers Market is launching FreshShare, a program that purchases extra produce from farmers at the end of the market each Saturday and distributes it to local food assistance organizations for the rest of the season.

The fresh produce will be delivered to St. Stephen's Catholic Church (1441 W. Oakwood Rd.) and The Salvation Army (8853 S. Howell Ave.) on a rotating schedule through October, helping provide healthy, locally grown food to community members in need.

FreshShare is funded by the generous support of IBEW Local 494, whose investment also supports the Oak Creek Farmers Market's Market Bonus Dollars program, which increases purchasing power for participants in SNAP and WIC/Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.

"The FreshShare program was created with both farmers and recipients in mind," said Renee Wallace, Operations Manager for the Oak Creek Farmers Market. "Not only will this benefit local farms but will also provide access to fresh food to those who really need it."

Because purchases are based on what remains at the end of each market, the types and quantities of produce will vary from week to week.

"Last season, I watched our farmers pack up beautiful, fresh produce at the end of the market and thought, 'There has to be a way to get more of this food into the hands of people who need it.' FreshShare turns that idea into action, thanks to our community partners, and that's a win for everyone involved," said Marcia Wayer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the City of Oak Creek. 

"The Salvation Army of Oak Creek Food Pantry serves more than 400 people each month through food provided by our partnership with Hunger Task Force and other local businesses, said Isaiah Weatherall, Community Outreach Programs Manager for the Oak Creek Salvation Army.  “Fresh produce is especially valuable for families who may have limited access to healthy fruits and vegetables. Providing fresh, nutritious food to our neighbors helps improve well-being and strengthens our commitment to serving the Oak Creek community."

“At the Family Life Center, we believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and hope,” said Gail Schlicht, Director of the Family Life Center at St. Stephen Catholic Church.  “Through nutritious food at our food pantry, direct assistance, and caring relationships, we strive to meet immediate needs while strengthening our community one person and family at a time. Neighbors helping neighbors! Together, we make a difference."

The Salvation Army food pantry is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as well as on the first Monday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The St Stephen’s Family Life Center Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and one Saturday a month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Oak Creek Farmers Market is held every Saturday through the end of October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Drexel Town Square and features dozens of local farmers, food producers, artisans and specialty vendors.

For more information about the Oak Creek Farmers Market and its community programs, visit the Oak Creek Farmers Market website or follow the Oak Creek Farmers Market on social media.