The self-select mobile food pantry will expand Treasure Coast Food Bank’s program...
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FORT PIERCE — Treasure Coast Food Bank has received a $175,000 donation from Publix Super Markets Charities to purchase and equip a self-select, mobile food pantry. Publix will also donate 500,000 pounds of fresh produce during the first year to stock the pantry. Treasure Coast Food Bank serves 225,000 people facing food insecurity in the four-county area of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.
The self-select mobile food pantry will expand Treasure Coast Food Bank’s program known as Market Fresh on the Move that delivers affordable nutritious food to communities that lack access now. Market Fresh on the Move’s “grocery stores on wheels” are stocked with fresh produce, dairy and meats as well as pantry staples. They make regular stops in so-called food deserts, enabling those communities to shop for healthy food.
“We are so grateful to receive this donation from Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities, which will provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to our neighbors in need and expand our Market Fresh on the Move program,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “Market Fresh on the Move has been successful in providing fresh, nutritious food to communities that lack access, and we’re excited about the opportunity to expand the program with an additional vehicle that this gift will provide.”
This gift brings the total donations to Treasure Coast Food Bank from Publix Charities to $305,000 in 2022.
“So many of our neighbors struggle with accessing nutritious food, but with this donation to purchase a mobile food pantry and donating fresh produce, we hope to change that,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “We are proud to continue our commitment of providing hope through nourishment for people in our communities.”
The donation from Publix Charities to Treasure Coast Food Bank is one of 22 donations made this year to help mobile food pantries. With this $3.85 million gift, Publix Charities has donated $9.5 million to Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit partners in 2022.
