ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -- Free parcels of produce, dubbed "Good Food for All" boxes, will be available later this month for 3,000 area families.
The fruits and vegetables are packed by local company Old Tyme Produce.
The goal is to break food insecurity. The Department of Agriculture says 18% of people in the metro area can't get fresh produce on their plate, either because of the cost or because there's no way to get to a grocery store.
Gateway Region YMCA President Tim Helm writes that, in St. Louis, "life expectancy can vary up to 35 years based on communities that are located less than 30 miles apart" and the program can "cultivate health equity."
The YMCA local is working with Partnership for a Healthier America to facilitate the program, which is funded by Missouri Foundation for Health.
Produce boxes become available May 31st and the program runs for 12 weeks. Sign up for one at ahealthieramerica.org/stlouis. Pickups will be available at eight area YMCA branches.