NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Health System will offer public farmers’ markets this summer at each of the three Southcoast Hospitals sites — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — and at the South Coast Business Center in Fairhaven.

            “We know from research that a large percentage of people on the South Coast do not have the benefit of regular access to fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables,” said Kerry Mello, Community Benefits Manager for Southcoast Health System. “This summer’s farmers’ markets are the kick-off to a range of Southcoast programs that provide our employees and our communities with easy access to healthy, locally grown food.”

            Some of the local purveyors will include Apponagansett Farm, Cervelli Farm, Mama Stella’s Original Cape Cod Seasoning, Sampson Farm and Westport Town Farm. Produce will range from lettuce, kale, celery and carrots to potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini.

“Supporting local business is essential to the successful growth of our communities,” said Jim Rattray, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs for Southcoast Health System. “Farming has played a key role in our local economy for generations. Partnering with local farmers will help strengthen their ties in the community, helping to raise a greater awareness of their businesses and the products they have to offer.”

Southcoast Farmers’ Markets dates, times and locations are as follows:

Thursday, July 26, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Tobey Hospital

43 High Street, Wareham

Thursday, August 2, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Charlton Memorial Hospital

363 Highland Avenue, Fall River

Thursday, August 9, from 2 to 6 p.m.

South Coast Business Center

200 Mill Road, Fairhaven

Thursday, August 16, from 2 to 6 p.m.

St. Luke’s Hospital

101 Page Street, New Bedford

For more information on Southcoast farmers’ markets, please contact Kate Miller at 508-961-5079 or visit www.southcoast.org/farmersmarket.