Gloucester Health Department’s Cape Ann Seniors on the GO Program Expands Transportation Offerings

GLOUCESTER — The Gloucester Health Department is pleased to share that the Cape Ann Seniors on the GO program expanded its services earlier this month in collaboration with Cape Ann Farmers Market (CAFM). 

The program now offers free transportation to the Cape Ann Farmers Market on Harbor Loop for all residents of the Riverdale and Willowood neighborhoods in Gloucester, regardless of age. Community members are reminded that free transportation to the market is available to all Gloucester and Rockport residents age 65 and up.

Trips to the market will occur each Thursday until Oct. 14. Pickups start at 3 p.m. and the trip back to those neighborhoods begins at 4:30 p.m. 

“Transportation is a barrier to health for many residents in the community, not just our older adults. Our hope is to have a positive impact on health by increasing access to local, healthy food for all residents, and this expansion is the first step toward that goal,” said Mass in Motion Grant Coordinator Jennifer Donnelly. “Utilizing our current transportation system with Cape Ann Seniors on the GO and collaborating with CAFM is a great way to help serve more residents in need and bring awareness to the benefits that people can use at the market.” 

For a limited time, the program will be distributing $10 coupons to riders which can be used to purchase produce at the market. The Cape Ann Farmers Market accepts EBT/SNAP and the Healthy IncentivesProgram (HIP). For more information about HIP, please click here.

“Cape Ann Farmers Market is thrilled to once again work with our long-term community partner, Cape Ann Mass in Motion and the Cape Ann Seniors on the GO initiative, to increase healthy food access for residents in need,” said CAFM Director Courtney Ayers. “CAFM is proud to offer a range of food access programs. With the addition of the coupons and transportation, we are working toward our shared mission of fresh, local food for all.”

Residents interested in reserving a seat can call the Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA) at 978- 283-7916. Riders are limited to two bags on the bus. Residents are asked to reserve a seat by 1 p.m. the day prior to any trip. Transportation is provided on a 16 passenger, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bus operated by CATA. Face coverings are required for all passengers while on board the bus.

About Seniors on the GO

Cape Ann Seniors on the GO is an Age-Friendly Communities initiative of Cape Ann Mass in Motion. The program provides free transportation for access to healthy food and physical activity to adults age 65 and up who live in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester. Free transportation for Gloucester and Rockport residents through Cape Ann Seniors on the GO is coordinated by the Cape Ann Transit Authority. CATA can be reached at 978-283-7916. Free transportation for Manchester and Essex residents is coordinated through the Manchester Council on Aging. More information can be obtained by calling the Manchester Council on Aging at 978-526-7500.

This transportation initiative is funded through the Massachusetts Community Health & Healthy Aging Fund and Beth Israel Lahey Health’s Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals in collaboration with local councils on aging and housing partners.

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