FLINT -- A celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony were held at the Flint Farmers Market on Thursday, Feb. 27.
The celebration comes after the Jan. 1 announcement of McLaren Health Plan becoming the presenting sponsor of the Flint Farmers Market and establishing presence in the area in order to support community well-being plus new programs and services.
Some of the upcoming programming may include story time for kids, Medicare info sessions, cooking programs, fitness classes, gift card drawings, nutrition classes and blood pressure checks.
"We are thrilled to have a presence at and partner with the Flint Farmers' Market," said McLaren Health Plan Strategic Business Operations Vice President Jeff Romback ahead of the celebration. "Being involved at the Market gives us an opportunity to invest time and money into the community and provide support for local vendors who make the Market such a success."
During the ceremony Romback added that the McLaren Health Plan was there to do good for the community and partner with the Flint Farmers' Market for programs around food.
"We all know that social determinants of health are a very important part in the health of a member in the Medicaid or Medicare markets and in our individual market," said Romback.
He added McLaren Health Plan is the only one present in each county of the Lower Peninsula.
One existing program that FFM offers is the Double Up Food Bucks' program. McLaren Health Plan Medicaid members eligible for a Bridge Card can participate and use the card at the Market. When customers use their EBT or Bridge Card for milk, fruit and vegetables, eligible members can get double the amount up to $20 a day.
"With the rising cost of groceries, being able to double the amount of food you can buy at the Market is a blessing for a lot of families, said Tasha Oliver, McLaren Health Plan Medicaid Programs Director. "Every little bit helps and getting extra fruits and vegetables from the vendors at the Market is a win-win for everyone."
FFM Manager Karianne Martus also spoke during the celebration.
"We are excited about this relationship, said Martus. "There are many crossovers between our organizations, especially in regard to addressing need in this community."
She added that she is proud of the FFM's reputation when it comes to excellent food access and programming that also helps meet the needs of those in our community that are the most vulnerable.
Towards the end of the celebration, Martus shared facts and features about the Flint Farmers Market, which includes 45 year-around indoor vendors and about 30 seasonal vendors.
"Twenty-five years ago when it was imagined, no one thought it would be one of the busiest public markets in the entire county," said Martus.
She added funds that McLaren Health Plan is providing have already made it possible for the second floor to redone, including a fresh coat of paint and working to create a more welcoming and safer environment for guests," said Martus. "There are so many other things we have planned, and we look forward to seeing everyone again to check our progress."
She also thanked some key players in helping getting the idea about the market off the ground.
"None of us would be standing here today in the market if it weren't for Uptown Reinvestment Corporation and its president, Tim Herman," said Martus. "This market almost closed 25 years ago and if Uptown and Tim had not stepped in to help, none of this would have been possible."