Youngstown council considers spending $129K ARP dollars on mobile grocery truck
YOUNGSTOWN - An idea of bringing groceries to members of the Valley’s most vulnerable residents could become closer to reality when Youngstown City Council meets next week.
Members of the council next Wednesday will consider spending $129,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to buy a truck that is equipped to deliver low-priced food to Youngstown neighborhoods that are underserved by grocery stores.
$359,000 has been raised for this initiative, plus the money the city council will vote on next week.
The federal dollars would be used to buy and equip the truck. Food and supplies will come from multiple vendors and will offer affordable pricing.
According to ACTION director Rose Carter, the 'grocery store on wheels' will offer food at reduced rates serving Youngstown and Warren. The truck will offer necessary items that are needed including dry goods, fruits, vegetables, even ice cream, and cookies.
All proceeds raised by sales of goods from the truck will be used for vehicle costs and maintenance. The truck will appear in neighborhoods twice a week beginning in May, three times a week beginning in June, and four times a week after July. The truck run throughout the year to Youngstown and Warren.
MYCAP will also be offering $25 food vouchers for residents of the city and will be able to be used for food from the truck. The vouchers will be made available in locations such as Jordans Market in Youngstown, New Bethel Church, the Mahoning County Public Library in Youngstown, and additional locations be announced on the ACTION's social media pages. The vouchers are made possible through multiple sponsors, including The Youngstown Foundation, The Weam Foundation, banks, and more.
The Mobile Market Initiative is also partnering with Mercy Health, which will be offering cooking instructions for the goods and produce, and will also offer live music at some events.
The Mobile Market Initiative is an effort spearheaded by ACTION, a grassroots community organization that seeks to unite faith groups, schools, neighborhood organizations, tenant councils, and other non-profits to work for social justice.
