Tampa, Florida – The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has launched a mobile market place, called the Veggie Van, to meet the needs of individuals and families living in underserved areas of Hillsborough and East Pasco counties.
Through a refrigerated truck, the Y will distribute fresh, nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables from local farmers and growers into targeted communities, which are labeled "food deserts," or urban neighborhoods without ready access to fresh, healthy and affordable food.
Currently, the Y's Veggie Van has planned distributions in the communities of Wimauma Village, Tampa Heights, Sulphur Springs and Lacoochee. Each of these locations has a demonstrated need for nutritional wellness. Other communities may be added depending on need.
Community food distributions will take place every two weeks on a rotating basis.
Participants for the program are pre-screened by local partners to include service clubs, schools and churches. Children and families receiving free or reduced-price lunches will automatically qualify and only need to sign up for the service.
The mobile market place also has a nutritionist on staff to work with families on improving food preparation and cooking habits to minimize the risk of obesity, chronic disease and high blood pressure.
