SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Rain or shine, every first Wednesday of the month sprouts a bustling marketplace in southeast San Diego.
More than 10,000 pounds of food, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and even drinks are brought together and available for students in the San Diego Community College district — at no cost.
Michelle Madrid Novak says it's about addressing the social and emotional needs of students while they're training for a new or better career, "so that they can succeed in school and they're not hungry."
Jahir Castelo is studying to be a physical therapist, while also working a full time job and supporting his family. He says the event makes it easy to stay on the path he knows will lead to a better future.
"We don't always have enough for groceries so it helps us save money so we can actually purchase stuff that we do need," Castelo says. "It allows me to focus more on my school and be able to go to work without having to worry that my brother doesn't have something to eat."
Free healthcare services were also provided at the marketplace by Kaiser Permanente.
