For Immediate Release:
July 17, 2014
MAJOR EXPANSION TO HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS
Foodlink adds additional Curbside Market vehicle anddoubles reach thanks to Citizens Bank
Rochester, NY – 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 asecond 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.
“We need to be proactive in addressing the root causes of hunger and we need to have partners like Citizens Bank and Jordan Health to do so,” said Jeanette Batiste, Co-Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. “Curbside Market is a great example of Foodlink being proactive by using a market-based approach to provide nutritious food in underserved communities.”
“The success of Foodlink’s Curbside Market program encouraged us to continue our investment in its expansion, allowing these mobile farmer’s markets to help more Rochester-area families have access to fresh, local and affordable produce,” said James P. Gaspo, President, Citizens Bank & RBS Citizens, New York. “At Citizens Bank, we believe that when nonprofits, corporations and members of the community work together, we can make a difference for our neighbors in need here in New York, because all families deserve the opportunity to thrive.”
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 at Follow @CurbsideMarket on Twitter for schedule updates, pictures and other information.
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About Foodlink: Foodlink’s mission is to end hunger and to leverage the power of food to build a healthier community. As a Feeding America member food bank, Foodlink rescues and redistributes over 18 million pounds of food annually to 500 human service agencies in the 10-county region. The efforts to end hunger go behind meal distribution through Foodlink’s food hub and its dozens of food-related programs. By increasing the amount of healthy food available to the network, fostering new food access channels and improving food literacy, Foodlink addresses the root causes of hunger.
About Citizens Bank Foundation:Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The foundation’s support is focused on human services, affordable housing and economic development.
About Jordan Health: Jordan Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center comprised of multiple comprehensive health centers and basic primary care offices located in the City of Rochester and in the City of Canandaigua. Currently Jordan Health numbers 10 sites, offering primary care and specialty healthcare services to nearly 30,000 patients.
For more information contact:
Kim Montinarello
Communications Coordinator
(O) 585-328-3380 x 153
(C) 585-746-1066
Email: