Providing access to healthy food for families in Holyoke
Twice each month, The Food Bank’s truck rolls into the parking lot on North Bridge Street in Holyoke for one of our Mobile Food Bank distributions. We have been partnering with One Holyoke Community Development Corporation since July 2014 to help bring fresh fruits, vegetables and perishable groceries to the under-served community, most commonly known as “The Flats.” At each distribution, approximately 150 – 200 people (including children, seniors and veterans) line up along the sidewalk to receive this free fresh food.
Rep. Aaron Vega (left) and Congressman Richard Neal (right) visit the Mobile Food Bank distribution in Holyoke and help hand out strawberries and corn to local families.
Aida Cruz has been the site coordinator for this mobile location since its inception and has gotten to know many of the community members who visit the distribution regularly.
“The challenge for most of the people here is that assistance doesn’t provide enough,” Aida explains. “They’re all very grateful. They always tell me, ‘if it wasn’t for you guys, I don’t know what I would eat.’”
On August 10, Congressman Richard Neil and Representative Aaron Vega visited the long-standing Mobile distribution site, to see it in action first-hand. While helping to hand out fresh strawberries, potatoes, corn, cabbage, carrots and peppers, the two men spoke with all the families and individuals about their personal struggles accessing healthy food.
There are no eligibility requirements to receive food from our Mobile Food Bank. Anyone in need of assistance can attend. For a list of all locations and times, visit our Mobile Food Bank web page.