Children and adults throughout much of the Mahoning Valley will soon be able to improve their diets and have improved access to more healthy food choices, however.
The vehicle, which will resemble a traveling grocery store, is to begin operating twice weekly May 10 and serve many people who live in areas that lack access to healthy foods.
For about three years, ACTION and Flying High have set up pop-up markets throughout the Valley that served as the inspiration for the traveling grocery store, organizers said.
Another goal is to bring the vehicle to senior-living facilities and high-rise apartment buildings, many residents of which have limited income and transportation, Bechtel said.
Inside the mobile market are four freezers and four refrigerators for foods such as milk, eggs, meats and poultry, along with numerous wooden crates for fresh produce, fruits and vegetables.
Jeff Macara, Flying High’s director, said the produce is grown mainly at an urban farm.
Vicki Vicars, pastoral minister with Youngstown-based St.
Also, Mahoning County commissioners approved an additional $150,000 to go toward 500 vouchers.
After the event, the center hosted ACTION’S 19th annual banquet and awards ceremony, at which the keynote speaker was the Rev.
Sauline, the Mahoning Valley Association of Church’s director; Sharon Letson, Youngstown CityScape’s executive director; and Brandon Perry of City Kids Care.
Pathfinders Awards were given to city Councilwoman Anita Davis, D-6th Ward, and one of the Youngstown Police Department’s first black female officers; and the Rev.