Free Fest brings health, wellness resources to Philadelphia community for third straight year

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Free health screenings, books, produce, and family activities were offered to community members during Free Fest, a health and wellness event held for the third consecutive year at the Navy Yard.

The event, organized by Philly Freeway, focused on connecting residents with free resources and services.

"To be able to bring free books, free produce, free blood pressure tests. We need these types of resources right in our community, and that's what we're really trying to do here," said Melissa Young, a producer for Free Fest.

Young said the event reflects the mission of Philly Freeway and its founder.

"As a rapper, community leader, philanthropist, and kidney recipient, it's really important to bring these resources to the community for his neighbors, his friends, his family," Young said.

Volunteers also helped coordinate activities for children and families. Among them was author John Butler, who goes by Cousin John and served as curator of the Children's Village.

"Summers for parents can be expensive, so being able to have this event that's free and caters to the family where there's literally something for everybody," Butler said.

Attendees explored a variety of resources throughout the event, including the Friendship Bench, where people could speak with a licensed therapist at no cost.

"It's important for us to remove as many barriers as possible for people to have access to therapy," said Natalie Dallard of Community Behavioral Health.

Dallard said the service is especially important as many people struggle with social isolation.

"We are in what's called a loneliness epidemic; we hear about how people feel socially isolated, and they feel intimidated and that the traditional ways of doing things aren't working," she said.

Organizers also emphasized healthy eating by partnering with Sharing Excess to distribute free produce to community members.

Butler said the event offered families another opportunity to connect and learn together.

"It's really an opportunity for families to get out, enjoy some great activities, focus on literacy," he said.

Free Fest was held at the Navy Yard and marked its third year of bringing free health, wellness and community resources to residents.