These days, you may see a new truck making its rounds in Northeast Ohio. This vehicle, known as the Foodbank’s pop-up pantry, is the latest to join the Foodbank’s fleet and serves as an innovative way to offer food access to struggling communities.
“The vehicle was designed to be nimble and flexible, which gives us the opportunity to test a location and neighborhood to gauge what the need is, and to see how receptive community members are to this service,” said Katie Carver Reed, Foodbank director of network partners and programs.
A few years ago, the Foodbank started conceptualizing a way to make groceries more accessible to struggling communities by bringing food directly to these areas. Thus, the idea for a mobile pantry was born.
Through funding from Feeding America, the Foodbank’s national affiliate, the pop-up pantry was launched in the winter of 2020. The pilot location was Dix Stadium on Kent State University’s campus, serving not only students but also community members across Portage County.
The pop-up pantry currently visits Medina, Stark and Portage counties on a monthly basis and partners with Feeding Medina County, The J. Babe Stearn Community Center and Kent State University as the host locations. These strategic partners not only offer their parking lots, but also supply the volunteers needed for the grocery distribution.
“Being able to pop up at a site and show the community the need exists, and that this is of value, are important for broadening food access and the community’s understanding of food insecurity and how to address it,” said Katie.
In addition to improving food accessibility, the pop-up pantry has also strengthened the Foodbank’s relationships with various communities.
“This vehicle has allowed us to expand opportunities for collaboration and partnership — ultimately working together to meet the needs of the community in partnership with local stakeholders.”