ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Spring is underway, and the popular Rail Yards Market is ramping up for the season, continuing a program getting fresh, locally grown produce in the hands of those who can't afford it. "Instead of delivering a pizza, they're delivering a fresh box of produce to senior s," said Alaska Piper, director of the Rail Yards Market.  Story continues below NM Film: Are overseas film productions pulling work away from New Mexico? Environment: Mexican gray wolf seen roaming north of I-40 found dead Transit: City of Albuquerque looks to crack down on improperly parked E-scooters Volunteers with the Rail Yards Market are hard at work packing boxes of locally grown produce with colorful tomatoes, eggs, beans, mushrooms, and a lot more. "We are very proud and honored to be part of this veggie program," said Adrian Casaus.  Roughly ten volunteers helped pack 120 of these boxes that are going to seniors and community schools on Tuesday. Returning for another year, the Veggie Box Program started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their open-air market closed and volunteers shifted to delivering New Mexico-grown food to buyers and people in need.  Local farmers like Mago Chairez are happy to see their products helping out. His pinto beans are in every box. "It feels amazing because I know fresh produce isn't always available to people out there, so being able to contribute to something that's able to get produce like this out to people who need it is important," said Mago Chairez, Farmer.   Starting out this year, volunteers are also getting a boost from the city using the revamped Flue Shop to package boxes in just about 30 minutes. In the past, the same process took them about two hours as the group had to use a different space from week to week. "It's really exciting to be in this historic space, even though we've been in historic buildings for the last ten years or so, it's really exciting and we're super grateful to the city of Albuquerque for allowing us to utilize the flu shop to serve the community,” said Piper.  They plan to keep the work and donations going through the fall. "I just hope they realize it came from farmers who really care about providing fresh produce for them," said Chairez.   People can also purchase a veggie box once the Rail Yards Market is back up and running, starting May 4 and going through October.  ...read more read less