Thundermist in Woonsocket to host winter farmer’s market

THUNDERMIST HEALTH Center in Woonsocket will hold a weekly winter farmer's market starting Nov. 25.
THUNDERMIST HEALTH Center in Woonsocket will hold a weekly winter farmer's market starting Nov. 25.

WOONSOCKET – Thundermist Health Center received an $84,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Promotion Program to open a winter farmer’s market.
The center, at 450 Clinton St., piloted a winter market for a few months last year.

Because it was so well-received, Thundermist applied for the USDA grant, according to Marlene Roberti, associate vice president, development and communications, Thundermist Health Center.

The market will operate from 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday through May, starting Nov. 25. Each week, seven to 10 farms will be represented. A cooking demonstration also will be held this coming week, Roberti said.

A ceremony celebrating the opening will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the center. U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline is expected to attend and tour the market.

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According to information from Thundermist, the grant, one of only three such awards to community health centers in the country, will increase year-round access to local, healthy food for Woonsocket residents.
“Lack of access to healthy foods is a significant contributor to health conditions facing Woonsocket residents such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Woonsocket is designated a ‘food desert’ by the USDA due the extreme shortage of grocery stores. The program presents a unique partnership between a community health center (Thundermist), private small businesses (farmers) and nonprofits (Farm Fresh Rhode Island and local organizations) working together to … address one of the most pressing needs in the community,” according to a Thundermist press release.

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