South side market offers free, healthy groceries to those in need

A new market on the city’s south side is now open, offering fresh, free food to all in need.

All People’s Fresh Market, located at 945 Parsons Ave, is an expansion of a project that distributed as much as 15,000 pounds of produce each week for the past three years. The Community Development for All People, an offshoot of a local church, took over an old drive-thru liquor store an converted it into a beautiful open space with a mission to better the quality of life for the neighborhood where 23 percent of people struggle with food security.

To get ahold of free healthy foods from All People’s, you must sign up and meet income guidelines set in place by the market. If you meet requirements, you receive a membership card and can access the market as often as you’d like.

Their offerings include a solid mix of produce at all times and dairy and meat products on a less regular basis. All the food is sourced from local grocery stores and the Mid Ohio Food Bank, reports Columbus Navigator.

It’s currently open but a big shindig is slated for Thursday to ramp up community recognition. There will be activities, a smoothie bar, a visit from Mayor Ginther, and most importantly, opportunities to apply for a membership.

The All People’s Fresh Market on Thursday is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.