An apple a day keeps the doctor away, or so they say. But produce and other healthy, fresh food items can be costly for families, especially with inflation increasing food prices.
Research shows that there is a direct correlation between food insecurity and poor health outcomes. Limited access to healthy food can have serious implications for children’s
physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Communities with the highest rates of food insecurity face a higher prevalence for diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
Regardless of age, healthy bodies and minds require nutritious meals. Your Foodbank strives to nourish local families through its new partnership with Produce Perks Midwest, the
hub organization for Ohio's Nutrition Incentive Programs. Nutrition incentive programs empower lowincome families to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and strengthening local economies.
Every Tuesday from mid-June to October, the Foodbank staff visits four local farms to pick up fresh produce. Items may include tomatoes, radishes, leafy greens and other vegetables.
"We're excited about this program because it's getting super healthy food to underserved communities and people that need it," said Jimmy Meyers, farmer at Front 9 Farm.
The produce is taken to the Foodbank and picked up by DoorDash drivers. The drivers deliver the items biweekly to 300 families in Summit and Stark counties who meet income
requirements and have children in their households. DoorDash generously covers the cost of the drivers, and Produce Perks Midwest, through state funding, pays the farmers for the crops.
“We know that fresh food and produce have a direct impact on an individual’s health,” said Mary Ann Mills, the Foodbank’s manager of strategic programs. “Being able to distribute this
extra produce is not only feeding local families, but it’s helping ensure they receive the nourishing food needed to live a healthy life. We also know that transportation is one of the largest barriers to food access, so the fact that we can pair the produce with home deliveries is tremendously beneficial for families.”