The Pierce County Senior Center will hold two senior citizen farmers markets, including Thursday, June 12 in Blackshear and Friday, August 1 in Offerman.
These popular drive-through events will distribute a bag of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to area seniors free of charge. Like last year, the Blackshear event will initially gather seniors and their vehicles in the empty field behind the old Grady Street school. Once the drive-through begins, drivers will move up Johns Street and turn right into the Blackshear Church of God parking lot where they will be met not just by volunteers placing the fresh produce in their vehicles, but also by event partners distributing info about local organizations, programs and service that area seniors can use.
“Our goal is to connect with other organizations who can help partners with us to give out information about their ongoing programs,” says Pierce Senior Center Director Lynn Platt. “We are looking for partners to set up outreach booths during our drivethrough. This is a shared community experience that goes beyond our four walls.
Finally, filled with nutrition and information, the vehicles exit the church parking lot and turn onto West Carter Avenue.
A similar drive-through process will be announced for the August 1 event at Offerman City Hall, 6113 Carter Avenue, Offerman.
“We want to help seniors access as many programs that are available to them in our community,” says Platt.
The event is open to the public. Applicants 55-59 years old who live in public housing are eligible. All other applicants must be 60 or older and meet income guidelines.
The market is sponsored by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging.
If your organization would like to contribute or volunteer as part of the seniors farmers market, please call 912-449-0145 or (912) 285-6097,
