LifeBridge has launched FreshConnections, a new social enterprise, that provides affordable, fresh fruit and vegetables in food desert areas where many of Bridgeport’s poorest people live and work.
The fresh produce is purchased in bulk, packaged into pre-ordered boxes and delivered twice a month to conveniently located distribution centers in low-income neighborhoods.
Participants will also receive comprehensive social services drawn from our extensive behavioral health, economic empowerment and social enterprise programs.
Our new enterprise and related activities will create over 40 new full-time jobs and 75% will be targeted for low-income individuals.
This enterprise helps address four of Bridgeport’s priority community health and economic development goals:
- to increase the availability of healthy and affordable fresh food for low-income residents
- to improve community health and wellness through better nutrition and healthy eating behaviors
- to improve food distribution channels throughout Bridgeport
- to generate growth and employment in the food sector
HOW FRESHCONNECTIONS WORKS
Choose Pre-Paid Boxes or the “Pop-Up” Stand
PRE-PAID BOXES
- Delivered twice a month at distributions sites in Bridgeport
- Receive pre-selected fruits (3-4 types) and vegetables (3-4 types)
- Produce varies depending on seasonable availability and pricing
- $10 box (10-12 pounds of produce) serves 2-3 people
- $20 box (20-25 pounds of produce) serves 4 or more people
POP-UP STANDS
- Offered twice a month at distribution sites in Bridgeport
- Produce varies depending on seasonable availability and pricing
- Buy as much or as little as you choose
- Produce sold by the piece or by the pound
No income restrictions; anyone can order and/or purchase. We accept cash, credit or debit, and SNAP for payment. Bills larger than $20 are not accepted.
FRESHCONNECTIONS DELIVERS PRODUCE BOXES TWICE A MONTH TO THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Burroughs Community Center: 2470 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT—1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month 4:30-6:30pm
LifeBridge Community Services: 475 Clinton Ave, Bridgeport, CT—1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 2:30-5:00pm
Stratford Health Department: 468 Birdseye Street, Stratford, CT—2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month 3:30-5:30pm
Bridgeport Public Library: 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT—2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month 12:30-2:00pm
FreshConnections will be adding additional delivery sites throughout the year. Please visit our website to find a convenient location near you!
For more information, please contact Susan Tabachnick, Director at 203-368-5523
stabachnick@LifeBridgeCT.org
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