In August, Cape Ann Seniors on the Go
expanded eligibility for its Thursday farmers market runs to include all residents of two public housing authority developments in Gloucester. Residents of any age who live in the Riverdale and Willowood neighborhoods can now ride alongside local older adults to the farmers market on Thursdays. “The farmers market accepts SNAP, EBT, and WIC farmers market coupons and participates in the Healthy Incentives Program, so we’re trying to encourage people to use those benefits or sign up for them if they are eligible,” explains Jennifer Donnelly, Grant Coordinator for the
Cape Ann Mass in Motion initiative.
When it
first launched, Cape Ann Seniors on the Go offered rides only to older adults who live in public housing in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester. Over time, they have expanded eligibility, opening rides last winter to all residents age 65 and over. Rides are limited to locations related to nutrition or fitness. In Gloucester and Rockport, the Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA) provides the rides, while the Manchester Council on Aging provides the rides in Manchester and Essex. Originally funded through an
Efficiency and Regionalization Grant, the service received a
DPH Healthy Aging grant last year that funds operations through June 2022.
"We have actually seen ridership increase during the pandemic, so that tells us there is a need, and people desperately want to get out," Donnelly says. "People appreciate that it's free, and also the trips are social. People are making connections. We even have one rider who wants to host a barbecue for all her friends from the bus!" Looking ahead, Donnelly plans to continue outreach to attract additional riders, and also hopes to set up a Rider Advisory Council with representation from local housing authority residents.
