My roommate recently started interning for a non profit organization known as Seacoast Eat Local. A program with the goal of encouraging affordable healthy eating for low income residents of New Hampshire. There are several locations in the surrounding area including Durham, Portsmouth, and Rochester.

A common misconception is that the transition to eating natural produced foods is not cost effective. In some cases this is true, which is why I found SNAP to be very innovative. Limited access to organic, quality fruits, and vegetables contribute immensely to the incidence of poor health, including obesity.

When I visited the farmers market in Exeter, I was impressed with the vibrance and unity of this community. Everyone was extremely friendly and showed a genuine bond with people from all different walks of life. My roommate told me a story about how one of the selling farmers always reached out and gave her free extra fruits and vegetables at the end of the day. On a cold fall evening he noticed that she was shivering during her shift. Without hesitation he traded one hundred of his eggs, for the value of a hundred dollar wool blanket. He handed it over telling her to wear and keep it. This altruistic gesture really stood out to me as a representation of kindness and dedication to the community.

The market also sells a variety of goods such as fresh poultry, eggs, baked goods, hummus and maple syrup. Even some home decor and seasonal favorites.

With the help of funding, Seacoast Eat Local provides equal give and take for both consumers and farmers by increasing their revenue, and making healthier choices more accessible to those in financial need.

For those who are interested in donating or volunteering for SNAP, please find more information at their website; http://seacoasteatlocal.org/our-program