Foodlink is doubling its efforts to bring healthy food to underserved neighborhoods, thanks to funding from Citizens Bank Foundation. Through a $41,300 grant, the regional food bank is adding a second Curbside Market vehicle as part of its food access programs.
Curbside Market is essentially a produce aisle on wheels. Foodlink sources fruits and vegetables from only local farmers and sells the produce at wholesale cost. Stops include public housing units, community health centers, and neighborhood organizations in order to give people with limited mobility and food access an opportunity to buy affordable, fresh and healthy foods.
In 2013, the first Curbside Market debuted, making 26 stops within the City of Rochester. Approximately 40,000 pounds of produce was sold and roughly 6,000 individuals participated. With the additional vehicle, the two Curbside trucks will make a combined 50 stops each week. Locations have expanded beyond the City of Rochester to also include Orleans, Genesee, Wayne and Ontario counties.
Curbside Market will be on the road through November. All locations are open to the public. Cash, debit, EBT and WIC are accepted. The Curbside Market schedule can be found here. Follow @CurbsideMarket on Twitter for schedule updates, pictures and other information.