SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — A program is giving residents on the southside of Spartanburg access to fresh produce for free.
The City of Spartanburg, PAL and Hub City Roots recently partnered to begin the Fresh Stops program. As part of the program, refrigerators were installed in the C.C. Woodson and Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center. The refrigerators are stocked with fresh produce that is free for everyone to take.
“We’re really excited about it because it’s bringing healthy, fresh food and making it accessible,” Sophi Schwartzbauer, PAL’s events and operations coordinator, said.
Hub City Roots stocks the refrigerators once a week with seasonal and locally-grown produce.
“At some of the centers, I’ll stock it on a Friday and come Monday, it’s completely wiped out,” Ben Lea, Hub City Roots’ director of agricultural outreach, said.
In January alone, more than 2,000 apples and more than 500 oranges were given out, according to Lea.
“I love seeing them empty when I show up because that means the community’s using them,” Lea said.