Discover Summer Food Markets at UH Portage Center & Raven Packs: Your Ultimate Guide!

For the second year in a row, University Hospitals Portage Center and Raven Packs are teaming up to help low-income families access fresh food. They’ve launched summer farmer’s markets throughout Ravenna, offering fresh produce to those who need it most.

This year, the initiative spans eight different communities. Laura Wunderle, the founder of Raven Packs, shared, “We’re reaching a lot of families and individuals.” Their approach brings the market directly to areas like Terrill Suites, ensuring more people can participate.

The summer market runs for eight weeks, with a new location each week. They kicked off the season recently at Terrill Suites, and more locations are on the schedule.

According to Mindy Gusz, an Outreach Nurse at UH Portage Center, the goal is to not only provide food but also promote better nutrition. “We both share a passion for helping those struggling with food insecurity,” Gusz explained. They created this program together to offer immediate relief to those in need.

At the markets, families find a variety of fresh produce, including cucumbers, potatoes, yellow squash, green beans, apples, and pears, sourced from local farmers and garden clubs.

The logistical side of things involves Gusz and Wunderle distributing coolers filled with fresh produce to several sites. They retrieve these coolers the next day to set up at the markets, ensuring freshness for attendees.

“Families can easily prepare multiple meals from the produce they pick up,” Wunderle said. She emphasized the importance of providing healthier options, especially since many low-cost foods aren’t nutritious. “Families often find cheaper options that aren’t good for them, especially during summer when fresh fruits and veggies are available.”

This initiative also taps into local resources, including students from Kent State University’s School of Public Health, who help with various tasks and ensure leftover food goes to Raven Packs.

In just their second year, the summer markets have expanded significantly. Last year, they served 525 people, including 328 children. This year, they may serve even more, as each market operates in different locations like the Community Action Youth Center and King Kennedy Community Center.

“Our focus was to reach out to various organizations,” Wunderle noted. “The Community Action Council and local centers have been really supportive.”

As summer progresses, the types of produce available will shift. “In July and August, we expect more zucchini and tomatoes, depending on what’s in season,” Gusz added. “We want to ensure we provide a variety that everyone can enjoy.”

Overall, this program is not just a food distribution effort; it’s about building community ties and fostering better health for families in Ravenna.

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Raven Packs,Summer Market,University Hospital Portage Center