COVID-19 RESPONSE
We are open and busier than ever working to get healthy food to individuals and families in North Central MA in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
We have listed a few important and timely updates related to COVID-19 here.
LOCAL PRODUCE ACCESS
We are able to take the mobile market which accepts SNAP and the MA Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) https://www.mass.gov/service-details/healthy-incentives-program-hip-for-clients to locations where social distancing measures can be implemented. Please contact our Executive Director, Ayn Yeagle ayn@growingplaces.org or 978-598-3723 ext 1 if you are interested.
NEW MOBILE MARKET STOPS
updated 4-14-2020
New mobile market stops have been added! Bring your SNAP card to purchase fresh produce and shelf stable meal packs.
Clinton
- @ 309 Church St. Apartments; Wednesdays, starting April 1, 2020, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- @ Lakeside and Fitch Rd. Apartments; Tuesdays, starting March 31, 2020, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Winchendon
- @ Not Just Produced, 290 Central Street; parking available at the lot next to The Chapel Downtown, 286 Central Street; Fridays, starting March 27, 2020, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- @ Pearl Drive Community Housing; Fridays, starting April 3, 2020, 3:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.
Leominster
- @ Leominster Senior Center Parking Lot, 5 Pond St.; Wednesdays, starting April 1, 2020, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- @ Corner of Mechanic and Laurel Streets; Wednesdays, starting April 1, 2020, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Westminster
- @ Wellington Apartments, 5 Meetinghouse Road; Mondays, starting March 30, 2020, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fitchburg
- @ 545 Westminster St. in LUK’s Parking Lot across from Waite’s Corner Playground; Mondays starting April 6, 2020, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- @ Canton St., Canton Valley Apartments next to the Community Room; Mondays starting April 13, 2020, 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Athol
@ ACES (elementary school parking lot), Thursdays starting March 26, 2020, 10:00 a.m. – 11 a.m.
LOCAL PRODUCE BOXES
We have created a new option for people to order their produce through an online ordering system that can be picked up at our office or a mobile market location.
Application here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NnpGRNEndDH_oOdtnwH1MGizi4vSaXCnuaqYNot2s0Q/edit
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If you are having difficulty purchasing or accessing food during these difficult times please contact the Project Bread Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or by chat at Gettingsnap.org.
COMMUNITY GARDENS AND VOLUNTEERING
Our Seed To Community volunteer program, funded by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, continues to support Growing Places’ efforts as a food-related essential service to our community during this time. If you would like to volunteer, please email janet@growingplaces.org.
Please contact us if you would like to grow healthy food in our community gardens this year. We are in the process of developing social distancing and sanitation procedures to keep everyone safe and healthy. For everyone’s wellbeing, we ask that everyone speak with our staff before visiting an outdoor garden.
If you need immediate information or assistance, please email staff@growingplaces.org, leave a voicemail on our main line (978-598-3723) or check us out on Facebook and Instagram where are updating our program information and response to the COVID-19 crisis regularly,
Please stay safe and healthy and thank you for supporting healthy food access in our region!