For many, the best summer memories are tied to food. From fresh, in-season produce to shared meals with family or time spent in the garden, these memories fuel us through the warm months. But when fresh food becomes unaffordable, those moments can slip away, leaving stress and uncertainty in its place. Over time, that stress can have a lasting impact on both mental and physical health.
CEAP’s Farm Fresh program is designed to help alleviate that stress and to share the abundance of our beautiful state. Each summer, when food budgets are stretched and school meals are unavailable, CEAP brings extra support right when families need it most. From June through August, every neighbor who visits CEAP’s Food Market will receive an additional box of fresh, in-season produce with their order.
Last year, CEAP shared 41,000 pounds of additional fresh produce with our neighbors. This extra boost helps families enjoy nutritious foods while keeping the stress and anxiety of rising prices off their plate. When fresh food is accessible and consistent, it helps reduce both physical strain and the mental weight of food insecurity.
Reducing that burden has always been a priority for CEAP. 60% of the contents in each Food Market order are fresh groceries. This includes produce, meat, and dairy products that strengthen the minds and bodies of our neighbors! During the summer, the additional produce box offers more variety, helping neighbors make choices that nourish both body and mind!
For neighbors like Kelly, that access has made a meaningful difference:
“I really like that CEAP provides so much fresh fruit. I normally don’t go toward that, because it’s so expensive, and I don’t think of buying a whole pineapple or a whole bag of apples just for myself. Since going to CEAP, I’ve been eating more fresh food, which has really improved my health and takes away stress.”
Kelly’s story reflects what we hear from many neighbors: when food is reliable, fresh, and accessible, it does more than just fill their fridge. It reduces anxiety, supports health, and allows families to focus on what matters most.
By expanding access to fresh, seasonal produce, CEAP is helping our neighbors stay nourished, supported, and healthy throughout the summer--building a stronger foundation for the months ahead.
