Q: Are the markets open to anyone?
A: Yes! Our community markets are open to anyone looking for access to affordable, healthy produce.
Q: What is recovered produce?
A: Fruits and vegetables that are perfectly good to eat, but would normally go to waste because of aesthetic imperfections (misshapen or off-color), surplus (when farms had a better than expected growing season), or logistical problems (when grocery stores over-order produce). Truckloads of fruits and veggies can get rejected and we rescue this produce in an effort to help mend a broken food system. To date, we have provided over 350,000 pounds of low cost fruits & veggies to families and individuals with limited food access.
Q: What forms of payment to you accept?
A: We accept cash, credit, and debit at all of our sites.
Q: Is the produce locally grown all year-round?
A: We place a higher priority over recovering produce from going to waste than its origin. During the growing season (late spring through late fall) we source most of our produce from farmers within a 200-mile radius of our markets. This means that for now, most of what we subsidize comes from Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. In the offseason, we expand our network to suppliers in warmer regions of the country such as Florida. Since most food we source is coming to this area anyway, we maintain a low carbon imprint regardless of food origin.
Q: How do I know what produce will be available on a weekly basis?
A: Check our "This Week's Harvest" page every Monday to see what produce each of our markets will be offering for that week. Each week markets offer 9 varieties of fruits & veggies with the contents of the produce changing on a weekly basis. Produce is sold at roughly 40% cheaper than grocery store prices.
Q: What happens to the surplus produce that isn't sold each week?
A: When overages occur, we donate to local hunger solving organizations such as food pantries, churches, and senior centers.
Q: How often are the markets open?
A: Ideally we are open every week, all year 'round (based on the school year in some locations)! Safety of our workers and volunteers is paramount, so if weather issues arise, we will update our website to indicate temporary or total closures.
Q: How can I get a site launched at a school, community college, hospital, or community center near me?
A: We’re always looking to expand! Community support is vital to our quick expansions, so if you would like to add your name to our wait list or simply to get more information about our program, please contact Hungry Harvest's Social Impact Department at socialimpact@hungryharvest.net