Dedicated to improving access to healthy and affordable foods in low income areas, Foodlink launched the third season of its popular Curbside Market. Curbside Market is a farmer’s market on wheels, traveling to places where people live and gather to sell local produce at wholesale cost. This year, there are more stops, extended hours, and additional areas being served.
Curbside Market is one of Foodlink’s food access programs which aim to increase access to nutritious foods in underserved communities. The food bank sources most product from local farmers. Foodlink also participates in the state’s FreshConnect program, which provides $2 bonuses to customers who spend $5 in SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) on local foods.
Since its debut in 2013, Curbside has grown from one truck to two, has increased the amount of local produce sold by nearly 200 percent and has more than doubled customer visits.
“We believe that everyone has the right to fresh, healthy, and affordable foods. For those with limited mobility and tight budgets, eating healthy can be a huge challenge,” said Mitch Gruber, Director of Programs and Innovation at Foodlink. “The Curbside Market is an effective way to connect local farms and underserved communities throughout our region.”
The two trucks are on the road Monday through Friday with stops in Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Genesee, Orleans, and Livingston counties. There will be additional nutrition education workshops this year to teach and empower customers with great recipe ideas. Besides produce, Curbside Market is also equipped with essential protein like eggs and nuts.
Curbside Market summer schedule continues through September 11. All locations are open to the public. Cash, debit, EBT and WIC are accepted. The Curbside Market schedule can be found at www.foodlinkny.org or by calling 2-1-1.
For information contact Kim Montinarello, Communications and Marketing manager at 328-3380 ext. 153 (office), 746-1066 (cell), or kmontinarello@foodlinkny.org.
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