JEFFERSONVILLE Fresh Stop Markets aren't food pantries or farmer's markets, they are nestled somewhere in-between and are designed to make a big impact in the areas they serve including, most recently, Jeffersonville.

The concept is simple. Bring local, organic produce into a community with limited access to it and have people pay what they can. Those with more money pay more and those with less pay less and in the end it all evens out.

Despite the easy premise, there was nothing in Clark County like Fresh Stop Market until now.

"This lets families pool together money and SNAP benefits and creates markets for local farmers," said Karyn Moskowitz, founder and executive director of New Roots, the nonprofit behind the market.

In addition to making good affordable, the market makes it accessible. According to Moskowitz, the organization only sets up Fresh Stops in areas that are classified as "food deserts" by the USDA.

The second-ever Fresh Stop Market took place Thursday night at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Dr. in Jeffersonville.

Jim Grahn brought the idea to the church and New Roots both. He said the church was an obvious choice to him due to its prime location and, he found out later, the members' passion for the initiative.

"It's one of those special things about Jeff, people are always looking out for each other," said Mayor Mike Moore, who came to both the first market and on Thursday.

Around 46 stakeholders had signed up ahead of time to get produce, a number the church hopes grows to about 90 by the end of the season, according to Janis Barnett.

"Everyone needs to come get some of God's blend-able vegetables," Barnett said.

Those that came Thursday night left with cabbage, turnips, squash, basil, garlic, blueberries and more, all organic and grown within 100 miles of the church.

Every vegetable station has a flier for the vegetable or fruit, giving helpful tips on how prepare it.

"Who knew you could mash a turnip?" Staci Thompson asked, one of the stakeholders that came out Thursday.

Thompson, along with wife Amanda, loved the opportunity to get local produce and try foods they never would have gotten for themselves.

The couple paid the $40 "Justice share" option, meaning they paid for their own and a portion of someone else's.

Even so, they say the price tag is less than what they pay at a traditional grocery store for such a variety of organic produce.

Trevor Semones, a chef from Wild Eggs, had samples of marinated cucumber relish and cornbread to inspire the shareholders. His recipe contained cucumber, Swiss chard, garlic and sweet basil, all ingredients available Thursday night.

A different local chef will come each time to create a new fare, pass out samples and show people what they can make with what they are taking home.

The market will continue every other Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 until October. Shareholders can expect different produce each time, always local, organic and in-season.

To get in, simply go to freshroots.org and click "ordering."

The price varies based on income. Mothers who receive WIC pay just $6 for their share, SNAP recipients pay $12, those with a higher income pay $25 and have the option of paying $40 like the Thompsons did. Those wishing to order can do so online, over the phone or by dropping off their money at the church with Barnett.

Moskowitz hopes to replicate the program across the region so "people can be happy and healthy." This season there are 15 markets in operation across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

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