The Somerville Mobile Farmers’ Market is on the road again, through October 31.

By Amy Swain

Somerville’s Mobile Farmers’ Market has begun new hours. Since 2013, Shape Up Somerville has been operating the Mobile Farmers’ Market in order to bring affordable produce to area residents. As the market is only open select times and places, knowing the hours and locations can help you to access healthy affordable food this summer.

From now until October 31, every Friday the mobile market can be found at the Somerville Council on Aging, 167 Holland Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Then it will move to the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, 115 Sycamore Street, between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. from now until August 28, and between 2 and 3:30 p.m. from September 4 (just as school begins – pick up time!) until October 30. Saturday times and locations remain as they have been; the market will be at North Street Housing Development from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at the Mystic Housing Development from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Shape Up Somerville is “a 15-year-old strategy to build and sustain a healthier, more equitable community for everyone that lives in, works in, and visits the city.” Their goals include methods of encouraging healthy lifestyles for the people of Somerville.” The Mobile Farmers’ Market is a large part of this, along with a focus on health determinants, and encouraging increased physical activity. The program began with a focus on decreasing obesity in the city’s youth, and has been beneficial to those of all ages and income ranges.

Considering the low availability of government funding for the project, “citizenvestors” have provided much of the capital necessary to operate in its first two years. Continued patronage is another way to contribute to the operation. Full priced purchases, which are still considerably lower than most grocery stores, support the market’s practice of helping those in need, offering a 50% discount to anyone using SNAP or WIC.

There are many ways of accessing further information about Somerville’s Mobile Farmers’ Market, including calling (617)625-6600 ext. 4321, and visiting Shape Up Somerville’s Facebook page.