(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
Opened in late April, the dedication and blessing of the Fresh Start Market that serves southern Marion County and Greenwood area residents was conducted earlier this month.
The Fresh Start Market is a partnership with the Community Health and Wellness Fund of the Franciscan Health Foundation and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and supported by a $10,000 grant from the Hoover Foundation.
Notables at the dedication ceremony included Franciscan Alliance administrative director for community health improvement Kate Hill-Johnson, Franciscan Health Foundation executive director Greg Williamson, and Franciscan Alliance mission services coordinator Sr. Mary Joseph.
With its Franciscan Health alliance, the Fresh Start Market addresses hunger with the availability of healthy food items, free of charge, particularly with Southsiders with health issues that require special diets. No prior registration is needed.
The new food pantry features foods that doctors have recommended for healthy diets, including low sugar and low sodium and less processed foods.
The Fresh Start Market is in the Franciscan Health Sierra Building, 1040 Sierra Drive, with access off Emerson Avenue.
It is open Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons also can meet with staff members to discuss health needs and other education and community resources.
The blessing at the dedication was given by Fr. James Barrand of Franciscan Health spiritual care services.
Hill-Johnson explained that this is the third market in the statewide Franciscan Health network with other sites in Hammond and Crown Point.
She also emphasized that hunger needs and health needs go hand in hand; the Fresh Start Market is a step in encouraging improved health on the Southside.
Info: franciscanalliance.org.