Friday, May 6th, the Veggie Van will be parked at the Center for Better Health in Benton Harbor, distributing bags of fresh produce to Berrien County residents. This program was created to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious foods, as well as access to information to live a healthier life.
Made possible by the generosity of Spectrum Health and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, and in partnership with Spectrum Health Lakeland and the YMCA of Greater Michiana, this drive-thru style event offers fruits and vegetables to the first 100 people that attend.
The Veggie Van, or “West Michigan’s Mobile Farmer’s Market”, will make multiple appearances throughout our area this year, once per month through October. You can find the van in Niles in June and September, in Berrien Springs in July and October, and back at the Center for Better Health in August. The Benton Harbor event on May 6th begins at 11 a.m., and will be distributing food items until 1 p.m. – or until all 100 bags have been handed out.
All of the produce is sourced from Michigan farms, and most of the fruits and vegetables are supplied by Vine Line Produce Distribution, an 80 year old Michigan company that specializes in delivering produce across the United States. The produce available at each Veggie Van event changes with our growing seasons, and many other local vendors contribute to this wonderful community project.
The Center for Better Health is located at 100 W. Main Street in Benton Harbor, and participants are asked to remain in their cars during pick-up to ensure proper social distancing. To learn more about Spectrum Health Lakeland and their continuing contributions to the community, please visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contributor
