On Oct. 9, Montgomery College’s Student Health and Wellness Center held its monthly “Mobile Market.” This program has operated for three years and allows students to pick from a wide range of produce and healthy snacks at no cost to them.

To participate, all a student needs to do is sign up with their name and how many people live in their homes to determine how much they will need. Afterward, they are given a bag and go through several lines of fresh produce tables and select what to bring home.

Apples, pears, carrots, oranges, and potatoes were among the foods distributed along with specialty items such as small containers of Sabra snack packs, participants said.

About 300 or 400 people attend the mobile markets, said Mobile Market Coordinator Sergio Washington.

 “The Mobile Market is an initiative to provide free fresh produce to students, faculty staff, and the community,” Washington said.

As the coordinator, Washington oversees the many events that happen across all of Montgomery College’s campuses including the Lunch on the Go, Snack Bags, and Peer to Peer Programs.

Many students expressed their interest in the program and appreciation for the services they provide, including first-year student Edgardo Rivera.

 “I thought the Mobile Market was really interesting,” Rivera commented. “I liked how I was able to get some fresh produce because it provides a benefit for some students who can’t afford it.”

Mobile Market is available only once per month, so students can expect their stands of fresh produce and snacks to be returning Wednesday, Nov. 6th and Wednesday, Dec. 4th.

 “We try to provide for students and fight food insecurity within our community,” stated Washington. “We’re always looking for volunteers and for ways to support our students.”

To stay updated on future events held by the Student Health and Wellness Center, be sure to follow @mcshawcenter (IG/Snap) and @centershaw (Twitter)