The Full Plate Project has shared its mobile market schedule for February 2025. These markets, hosted at local YMCAs, are designed to help anyone in need. Each participating household can receive prepackaged food items, including fresh, frozen, and pantry staples, while supplies last. Best of all, there are no requirements for residency or YMCA membership. Everyone is welcome.
The project started in April 2020 when the YMCA Southcoast partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank. They aimed to tackle food insecurity that grew during the pandemic. As the YMCA puts it, “It quickly grew into one of the largest hunger relief agencies in the Southcoast region.” They provide food not just at mobile markets but also deliver it to affordable housing sites and collaborate with community partners to reach those in need.
The Full Plate mobile markets are set up to be straightforward for everyone. Participants are asked to provide some basic information, including their zip code and the number of people in their household. No ID is needed. These markets cater to all Southcoast residents and are not limited to YMCA members. The markets usually last for about an hour and a half, but they can run out of food quickly. Each household will receive grocery bags filled with a mix of nonperishable items, fresh produce, and meats, depending on availability.
The upcoming mobile markets in February 2025 will be held at the following times and locations:
Dartmouth YMCA – Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday
- New Location: St. Mary’s Catholic Parish (795 Dartmouth Street) since October 2024
- 2/11 at 2:30 pm
- 2/25 at 2:30 pm
- Please do not enter the parking lot until 2:00 pm
Fall River YMCA – Every 1st Friday
Gleason Family YMCA, Wareham – Every 2nd & 4th Friday
- 2/14 at 10 am
- 2/28 at 10 am
- Please do not enter the parking lot until 9:30 am
New Bedford YMCA – Every 3rd Tuesday
Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA, Swansea – Every 3rd Friday
For the latest updates on the Full Plate Project, you can visit YMCA Southcoast.
