The Community Development for All People (CD4AP) is a local non-profit organization that provides free produce, clothing and household items to families in need. Located at 946 Parsons Avenue, CD4AP also serves Columbus residents in a greater capacity by offering youth development, job coaching, affordable housing, health coaching, low-cost bike repairs and more.

Most recently, the community helped transform a former drive-through into the All People’s Fresh Market, located at 945 Parson Avenue. Doors opened in March 2018, with a mission to build community by sharing fresh food and bringing people together to participate in healthy living workshops.

All People’s Fresh Market provides fresh, free produce to customers earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Refrigeration within the market allows fresh produce to stay longer, and for members to visit multiple times per week if needed. Fresh Market members have the option to choose from fresh produce, dairy, healthy breads, meat and more.

The Center for Family Safety and Healing works together with CD4AP to share resources and information relevant to their numerous community programs and initiatives.

We spoke with Director of Healthy Eating and Living Programs at CD4AP, Erin West, to learn more about this new initiative.

“We recognize nutrition as one of the most critical factors in attempting to impact one’s health. Increasing access to fresh, wholesome produce is one powerful way to provide this nutrition, and stretch food budgets within our food insecure community.”

West noted that the Fresh Market has nearly 3,300 members and that the program has grown to distribute over 20,000 pounds of produce each week.

To become a member, simply visit the Fresh Market during regular hours (Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and bring an I.D. Market volunteers are ready to assist with answering any questions. Members receive a special key tag, as well as special benefits such as Tuesday Morning Coffee Club and free class offerings.

“Classes focus on topics like sugar addiction, the importance of drinking water, use of medical systems, disease prevention and management, healthy cooking methods, flavoring without salt, mindfulness and other lifestyle options. Each week, classes are taught in a participatory manner that engage members and invite them to identify next steps. Currently, classes are offered in the Fresh Market, at CD4AP and at the Reeb Avenue Center,” West said.

Most of the fresh food within All People’s Fresh Market is provided by the Mid-Ohio Food Bank; however, people are encouraged to donate. Visit: http://bit.ly/AllPeoplesFreshMarket or text B11171 to 614-230-0347.

In addition to the Fresh Market, CD4AP has provided clothing and household items to more than 50,000 families since 1999. The Free Store is run by local volunteers, and thrives from individual and group donations, charitable contributions and community service.

The Free Store welcomes donations year-round. The “Wish List” includes new toiletries for men and women, such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, hair brushes and lotion; new or gently used household items, such as blankets, towels, small appliances, rugs, dishes and silverware; and new or gently used clothing (men and women, size large), shoes, especially tennis shoes, boots, socks and undergarments.

Once per year, the Free Store partners with neighborhood schools to provide school supplies for students at four local elementary schools. Items to donate in the fall include new socks and underwear, Jumbo crayons and pencils, scissors, folders, ink pens, loose leaf notebook paper and spiral notebooks.

To inquire about volunteering at the Free Store, contact Kim Hairston at 614-443-1713. Volunteers assist by performing checkout, inventory, racking and clerical duties.

Since its inception in 2003, CD4AP has lived up to its original mission, which is to improve the quality of life for persons on the South Side of Columbus.

Share this article with friends, family or community organizations who may need access to these free programs, or who may be interested in donating or volunteering.

For a complete list of CD4AP programs, visit their website at http://www.4allpeople.org/serve/.

Connect with CD4AP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4AllPeople4
Twitter: @4AllPeople4
Instagram: @4AllPeople4