The Produce Market Project

The City of Pontiac is located within Oakland County, Michigan with 36.6% of residents below poverty level, and 80% of school children eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Pontiac is plagued with health disparities in the leading causes of death such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. These disparities are associated with poor nutrition and low physical activity.
In 2011, the Healthy Pontiac, We Can (HPWC) coalition, organized and facilitated by Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), conducted a resident survey to understand barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption. Sixty-two percent identified cost, lack of accessibility, variety, and quality of produce as barriers.
To increase fruit/vegetable intake within Pontiac, HPWC developed a year-round, weekly produce market in 2013 that accepts SNAP/EBT. This market is networked with a similar produce market started in 2009 at a local church. On-site nutrition education and bi-lingual marketing compliment the multi-level intervention at both sites.
Photo of Mushrooms, Avocados, Sweet and White Potatoes

Mushrooms, Avocados, Sweet and White Potatoes 

Photo of Enjoying Free Samples at the Market

Enjoying Free Samples at the Market

Photo of Produce at Free Samples at the Market

Produce and Free Samples at the Market