Beginning today and continuing every Saturday until further notice, The Temecula Murrieta Rescue Mission will be running a Farmers Market to raise money for the hungry.

Fresh produce will be available from 8 a.m. to noon for a $5 donation, the money to go toward the purchase of food, hygiene products and other items that can help area families in need.

The produce has been picked by volunteers, according to mission officials.

Dubbed "Relief Basket," the market will be held in a large lot -- used every year for a pumpkin patch and then for Christmas tree sales -- at Temecula Parkway, just west of Kevin Place.

The food bought with the proceeds is given out by the Temecula Murrieta Rescue Mission every Thursday in the parking lot of Rancho Community Church

"Come by this Saturday and see the value we provide to your produce budget. When you eat our produce, your proceeds go to feeding others," said Dave Carreon, who runs the rescue mission food giveaway.

Last summer's produce for donation program -- held outside the church following every service -- raised upwards of $7,000 for the purchase of food and other necessary items.

Every week, people come from all over Southwest Riverside County -- including Aguanga and Anza -- for boxes of non-perishable items, bread, produce, hygiene kits, baby food and diapers.

The mission serves an average of 150 families per week, Patch learned.

"If you know of families that are financially hurting, or ones who are not, ask them to come out and visit us," Carreon said.

"If they cannot afford to donate, we will give them the produce free. Once people see they can help feed their families for less and they help feed other families at the same time, everyone wins," Carreon said.

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