Mishawaka-based Franciscan Health is opening its latest Fresh Start Market Dec. 4 in Michigan City.
The food pantry is part of the health care ministry’s efforts to fight food insecurity.
“For our Franciscan ministry, food is medicine,” said Danielle Crowder, Franciscan Health community health improvement director, in a press release. “We look forward to strengthening our approach to whole person care through our Fresh Start Market operations in Michigan City and surrounding communities.”
Franciscan’s Food Insecurity Program started in 2021 in Lake County. The Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana partnered with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to create a three-phase Food Insecurity Program.
Phase 1 created Mobile Markets to provide food to those in need with drive-through events. Phase II developed Fresh Start Markets in Hammond, Crown Point and Michigan City. The Fresh Start Markets allow those in need to shop free of charge. The markets also work to identify the causes and health implications of food insecurity with education, nutrition and recipes.
Phase III implements a Food Rx and Produce Prescription program. This allows low-income individuals and their families — identified through the programs at the Fresh Start Markets, screenings and referrals — to receive additional, specific foods to meet their individual health needs.
Beginning Dec. 4, the Fresh Start Market will be open to Franciscan Health patients 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. The pantry will be open to the general public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. The Fresh Start Market is at 301 W. Homer St., Michigan City. Learn more here.
