Jack Evans Report

One of the best parts of living in a city is how accessible everything is. From grocery stores to retail to restaurants, D.C. more than lives up to recent reports that it’s the most walkable city on the planet. One way we’ve made it even more walkable over the years is all the farmers’ markets that bring fresh, local, healthy food to neighborhoods all across the District.

The Arcadia Farm is taking the mobility of farmer’s markets one step further with the Arcadia Mobile Market that operates all across the city via a 28-foot converted school bus. The mission of Arcadia’s Mobile Market is to improve access to healthy, affordable food, regardless of where you live or how much you earn. The Mobile Market makes 18 stops across the city during the week, including the recently introduced market at Garrison Elementary at 1200 S St., NW, in Ward 2, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays.

The Arcadia Mobile Market takes advantage of the D.C. Government’s “bonus bucks” program that utilizes local funds to increase food access for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps), WIC (Women, Infants and Children), and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) recipients. I’m proud to say that I championed this program on the Council and worked to secure the necessary funding in the District’s budget.

In addition to the Arcadia Mobile Market, the “bonus bucks” funds are available to SNAP/WIC/FMNP recipients at the many participating farmers’ markets across the city and Ward 2. The program allows participants who redeem $5 of benefits to purchase $10 worth of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets.

I highly encourage everyone to visit their local farmers’ market. In addition to bringing delicious, healthy foods to nearly every neighborhood in Ward 2, these wonderful organizations are working with farmers, communities, the city government, and others to improve food access and make the city even more walkable for all of our residents.

I would also like to congratulate a member of my Council staff, Ruth Werner, on her recent marriage. Many of you know Ruth as my liaison to Georgetown civic associations. She also serves as the Director of the Finance and Revenue Committee, which I chair. I can only imagine that she timed her wedding to coincide with the summer recess that the Georgetown civic associations and the D.C. Council take in August. Be sure to congratulate Ruth and her husband Mark the next time you see them!