The City of Arlington and Arlington Charities are launching a mobile food pantry to provide produce and other fresh food to neighborhoods considered "food deserts." The city said the truck will stop at churches and community centers to provide options for people who may not have another way to reach a pantry.
Tarrant County said one in eight Texans is considered "food insecure," but a larger percentage, 18.1%, in Tarrant County not have access to a reliable source of nutritious food. The mobile market will deliver food to areas identified with the greatest need.
"The face of hunger in our community has changed dramatically, but we at Arlington Charities really have worked hard to continue to change to do business so we can best meet those needs," said Executive Director Deborah Coppola.
"Arlington Charities is one of the premier examples of how a community takes care of a community," Mayor Jim Ross said.
The city is using ARPA money to fund the program. Arlington Charities said the program will start in East Arlington.
Coppola said the program will reach up to 50 households a day and deliver 1,200 pounds of food each week. She said the truck will stop at churches and community centers.
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons said the need for nutritious options has grown as inflation continues. Moody's Analytics said the average family is paying $296 more per month on groceries than before the pandemic.
"Hunger is an epidemic in every city and town across this nation," Simmons said.
Arlington Charities' Coppola says volunteers working at the truck will also be able to connect people with case management, nutrition information and SNAP applications. This year, she said Arlington Charities plans to expand its services to offer financial counseling, ESL classes and job training.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
