Bridgeport Hospital hosts Smith’s Acres to treat hunger

Every Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, Bridgeport Hospital will address the many health issues that can stem from a lack of access to fresh, nutritious food with a farm stand offering produce from Smith’s Acres farm in Niantic.

“We know that food insecurity is a big issue in our community, as is access to fresh produce,” said Gina Smith, community health manager in the Office of Health Equity and Community Impact. “We want to make healthy food easily accessible, so people can pick up produce while passing through the neighborhood or coming to see their physician at Bridgeport Hospital.”

This is the fifth year that Bridgeport Hospital has offered the program.

The first 25 customers to visit the stand each week will receive a $5 voucher good towards produce. The stand will accept cash, credit and debit cards, and SNAP/EBT benefits.

SNAP/EBT benefits will have their dollar value doubled at the stand thanks to a partnership with Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative and End Hunger CT.

“These incentives will help make the Farm Stand even more affordable for customers,” said Smith.

The stand will be located at 200 Mill Hill Avenue, and will run every Thursday through October 24.