Since 2016, the Veggie Van has brought direct access to fresh fruits and vegetables to residents of Niagara Falls and Lackawanna, many of whom have little access to fresh produce.
The Veggie Van takes cash payments, EBT, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons. Last year, approximately 6,000 pounds of produce was brought to low access communities via the Veggie Van.
Niagara Falls and Lackawanna are considered a food desert- an area where residents have limited access to fresh, healthy and affordable foods. The Veggie Van aims to combat hunger and reduce food insecurity by traveling to designated areas where community members do not have a grocery store nearby. Residents might otherwise need to travel over a mile to get to the nearest grocery store to purchase healthy produce.
Funding for the Veggie Van was made possible through CCE’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, funded by the New York State Department of Health. The 5-year grant was award to CCE-Niagara to foster healthy communities in Niagara Falls and Lackawanna, NY. For more information, visit cceniagaracounty.org.
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