Click here to download the application.
Click here to download the application.All applications must be completed and submitted to the Mount Shasta Community Resource Center, the Mount Shasta Recreation and Park District office, or Great Northern Services by May 19, 2016.
Enrollment in the 2016 season’s Mt. Shasta Fresh program opens Thursday, May 5 and runs through Thursday, May 19.
Mt. Shasta Fresh makes free fresh fruits and vegetables available monthly to income eligible Mount Shasta City residents during the summer months. Made possible by the city’s Community Development Block Grant funding, the program is administered and managed by Great Northern Services.
According to GNS staff, the program filled to capacity in its inaugural season last year, serving about 80 households. This year an even larger response is expected.
“The word has spread by word of mouth,” GNS program coordinator Heather Solus said. “Since enrollment is first come, first served, we are strongly advising people to enroll promptly this year.”
She emphasized that income limits for participation are higher than people might expect, and working families are often eligible. A family of four with an annual income of up to $45,000, for instance, qualifies for enrollment.
Mt. Shasta Fresh provides the free produce to participating households through the Farmer’s Market from June through September. Distribution locations will be announced to enrollees before the program begins.
This year people participants will be able to pick out their own produce rather than receiving it pre-bagged, Solus said. “We’re doing it ‘market style’ so people have more choice and there’s less waste.”
Mount Shasta City Finance Director Muriel Terrell said the city is “very pleased” to be able to provide the program again this year.
“It’s truly satisfying to be able to get nice, fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to those who may not have access to them otherwise,” she commented.
Most food for the program is purchased from regular Farmer’s Market vendors Homeward Bounty, Hunter’s Orchard, Marble Mountain, Windborne Farm, Grow Radicle, and Pierce Family Farm. Solus said the vendors offer a generous pricing schedule in support of the program.
Applicants for Mt. Shasta Fresh must be residents living within the incorporated city limits of City of Mount Shasta and must meet income requirement guidelines.
Applications are available at the Mount Shasta Community Resource Center, the Mount Shasta Recreation and Park District office, and online at gnservices.org. All applications must be completed and submitted to the MSCRC, Mount Shasta Rec and Park, or Great Northern Services by May 19.
For more information, call Solus at 938-4115, ext. 128.