CLEVELAND — The Produce Perks program is returning to Cleveland's West Side Market this weekend, offering free produce to eligible families.
Organized by the nonprofit Food Access Raises Everyone, the City of Cleveland and Produce Perks Midwest, the program will run this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Families who are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families will receive coupons worth $140 in free fruits and vegetables that can be cashed in at the West Side Market through June 30.
A news release from the city says the program will help more than 1,000 families access healthy and affordable food.
"The program will increase access to fresh food for Cleveland residents and support vendors at the West Side Market," the city says.
FARE will be at the West Side Market starting at 8 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday to hand out the coupon booklets to eligible families. The first 120 families will receive booklets each day.
All of the market's fresh produce vendors are participating in the Produce Perks program.
The Produce Perks Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Coupon program was introduced at the West Side Market in April 2022 and returned last year. The city says the program has been a "success," leading to the Ohio government doubling the program's funding for the next two years.
While waiting for their eligibility checks to be completed, families will be provided healthy cooking demonstrations and samples courtesy of Chef Peggi Cryz from Cleveland restaurant Cha'firo and Shyne Bright LLC owner Chef Carol White.
For more information on the Produce Perks program, click here or call (216) 400-9609.