PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Keeping cool has been a challenge this summer, as high temps have continuously exacerbated the region. Pair that with ongoing food insecurity, and vulnerable communities are being stretched thin.
To combat the issue, the Delaware County Health Department is awarding cold storage equipment to eligible food pantry nonprofits, making fresh, healthy food more accessible to residents in vulnerable neighborhoods.
“If a food pantry is able to have adequate cold storage, they’re really able to expand the offerings that they have beyond just dry goods,” said Lora Werner, Delaware County deputy director of health. “They can have really fresh produce and keep it properly cold. And of course, at the health department, we always want to help people keep their food properly cold because that helps prevent the spread of disease.”
The initiative is funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant.
Applications are currently being accepted. Applicants must meet certain criteria, such as showing proof of nonprofit status and a safe storage area, and being based in a designated food desert.
More information can be found here.