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WellCare of Kentucky to Provide Free Produce at Opening of New Fulton Farmers Market

Fulton, KY,  July 11, 2022 — In celebration of the grand opening of the new Fulton Farmers Market on July 22, attendees will receive free produce provided, in part, by WellCare of Kentucky.

The new market is a partnership between the Purchase District Health Department and the city of Fulton. The idea stemmed from a successful “pop-up” market held last year in Paducah.

“Through a grant, we served 350 families and distributed over seven tons of produce,” said Sarah Story, Health Educator at the Purchase District Health Department. “We want this year to be as impactful and that is possible thanks to our sponsors.”

When the funds used to support the program in 2021 were not available this year, WellCare of Kentucky stepped up to ensure this program would continue to provide the community with access to healthy food.

“Farmers markets help connect people to healthier foods while also supporting their local communities. These partnerships have a tremendous positive impact on local economies and provide valuable resources to help our members, their families, and communities live healthier lives,” said Corey Ewing, Plan President and CEO of WellCare.

In addition to free produce, attendees will also be provided insulated shopping bags, a local wellness book with health-related information and resources, and a book about food safety with shopping tips on choosing, cooking, eating, and enjoying more vegetables.

“Some people have never been to a farmers market, and they don’t realize how good fresh food tastes,” said Story. “When they experience locally sourced food they become more connected with where the food comes from, and they feel more connected to their community.”

The Fulton Farmers Market is located at 300 Walnut St. in Fulton, KY. The grand opening event will take place July 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

About the Purchase District Health Department

The Purchase District Health Department is a public health agency with jurisdiction in five counties (Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, and McCracken) in the Purchase area.

The primary divisions of the Department are Maternal and Child Health, Epidemiology and Chronic Diseases, and Environmental Health.

There are six locations throughout the area served. The administrative headquarters (commonly referred to as Paducah District Office) for the district is located within the Paducah-McCracken Health Center in Paducah.

About WellCare Kentucky

WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives.