A number of factors can affect a senior’s desire to eat properly. Loneliness, lack of desire or the skill to cook, financial difficulties and physical problems may contribute to poor eating habits. Yet, nutrition remains an important component for healthy living as we age. A healthy diet sustains an active lifestyle and often provides a social setting to bring seniors together to foster proper eating habits.
Episcopal Senior Communities sponsors fifteen thriving Senior Produce Markets that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and cheese at wholesale prices to seniors most of whom are on fixed incomes. Throughout Northern California in churches, senior centers and affordable housing sites, volunteers and elders gather to share conversation, a small buffet lunch or to celebrate birthdays or holidays. Venues provide a resource center for information and referral, education and networking. Our award-winning markets currently serve close to 1,000 seniors each week.
Our markets have a mission within a mission: perishable leftover produce from each market is donated to another non-profit organization that serves seniors and others in need. For example:
- Jennings Court donates its produce to The Living Room, a shelter for homeless women in Santa Rosa
- Lytton Gardens donates its perishable leftovers InnVision in San Jose, a day center that provides support to homeless women and children
- The Marina Senior Center Produce Market donates its perishable leftovers to The Pantry located at Epiphany Lutheran and Episcopal Church, serving seniors and families at risk in the city of Marina
For more information about our Senior Produce Markets, please contact: Colleen Chavez @ 925.956.7398 or email: cchavez@jtm-esc.org
To volunteer at a Senior Produce Market, click here
To sponsor a Senior Produce Market, click here
