Shape Up Somerville (SUS) will drive trucks that will contain local produce to various areas, around the city at which mobile farmers markets will be set up.

By Cathleen Twardzik

To ensure that healthy, fresh food is available to the city’s residents, Shape Up Somerville (SUS) will drive trucks that will contain local produce to various areas, around the city at which mobile farmers markets will be set up.

Until September 30, residents will have access to the mobile market truck.

Shape Up Somerville is a citywide campaign, the goal of which is to “increase daily physical activity and healthy eating” via various programs, policy work and the improvement of physical infrastructure. This initiative involves residents from each corner of Somerville, according to the city’s website.

Further, the mobile market will benefit low-income residents who utilize government nutrition assistance by providing them with more access to healthy food. That goal will be accomplished “by increasing affordability and adding convenience.”

The most imperative element of the program is that, “The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market is a partnership initiative between Shape Up Somerville, Enterprise Farm, The Welcome Project, Groundwork Somerville and the Somerville Housing Authority.  Its mission is to bring fresh, affordable produce directly to residents, living in areas with limited access to healthy foods,” said Rachael Plitch, Shape Up Somerville (SUS) Coordinator.

“This past June [2011], the program, formerly known as the “Mystic Mobile Market,” grew into “The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market,” as it expanded to a total of six sites, all of which were chosen based on community input.  [They include] The Mystic Housing Development, Glen Park, Clarendon Hill Housing, The Somerville Council on Aging Holland Street Activity Center, City Hall and 1 Franey Road,” said Plitch.

Additionally, the Union Square Farmers Market and Davis Square Farmers Market continue to serve the community.

Interested individuals may find additional information, as well as an interactive map of Farmers Markets, complete with dates and times, at http://somervilleurbanag.tumblr.com/post/27983926803/somerville-farmers-markets-2012-lately-there.