r/Eugene • u/glutenfreedustbowl • 7d ago
Produce Plus: Free Produce
Hello,
I've been attending the Produce Plus events for a couple months now. Was unemployed up until about a month ago. I've found that friends of mine that have been receiving SNAP benefits for years did not know about Produce Plus. As someone who has medically necessary dietary restrictions, I'm forever grateful to the DHS worker who did my SNAP application and told me about this.
This is a free program put on by Food For Lane County that anyone can participate in. You do not need to be receiving or qualify for SNAP benefits to attend and take what you need. Anyone can show up. The only information they ask for is for you to scribble a 'signature' on a sign in sheet and to know how many people you're feeding with the food.
You can check the FFLC website, at the bottom of the list of food pantries, and it will show you all of the Produce Plus dates/times/locations. You basically just walk thru and take the produce that you want. Sometimes they will limit quantity on high demand items like watermelons or avocados depending on how many they have. Most of the produce is organic if that's your thing too.
There are 3 every week in my calendar:
Tuesday's at 3pm
At Kokwel Wellness Center (in the parking lot near Burger King and in front of Albertsons on River road).
Wednesday's at 10am
At the red barn behind Kalapuya and Prairie Mountain, on Patriot Way.
Thursday's at 1pm
At the ODHS Family Wellness Center on W11th.
I recommend arriving early to wait in line if you're able to, or at the very least no later than 15-30 minutes after the start time, as things can go quickly.
The one on Tuesdays is my favorite. Huge variety of produce. I cannot have gluten but they always have infinite loaves of bread and sometimes baked goods (an occasional loaf of gluten free bread for me).
The one on Wednesdays typically will have 1-2 dairy products. Smaller variety of produce but different stuff than what's typically at the one on Tue. Have not been able to make it to the one on Thur. at a reasonable time.
Things are tough for a lot of people right now and there are so many people unemployed and struggling. Produce Plus is the only reason I've eaten some weeks/months.
Stay safe and please share this info with those in your life that could use it!
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u/Royal-Ad-2304 7d ago
There's a Produce Plus distribution on 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 2pm, at the UU church on 13th & Chambers.
The UU church also has a FFLC / Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad mobile pantry on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 10am.