ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Starting this spring, the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County is expanding its Mobile Food Pantry to increase food access for those in rural and underserved areas.

According to the Y, they will start the expansion with rural outreach twice monthly, “bringing fresh produce, healthy pantry staples, and culturally relevant food items directly to communities where transportation, distance, and limited retail options create barriers to healthy eating.”

The Care Compass Network helped facilitate the expansion by funding the purchase of the truck and trailer that are used for the Mobile Food Pantry.

“Our goal is simple: meet people where they are,” said Kurt L. Kleefield, Director of Community Health at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. “Rural families often face longer travel distances and fewer grocery options. With the support of Care Compass Network and the addition of our dedicated truck and trailer, we can bring healthy food directly into Cortland and Tompkins Counties twice each month and strengthen food access across our region.”

The Mobile Food Pantry will work in conjunction with local healthcare providers, agencies, and community organizations to locate priority areas and ensure they receive proper resources.

Find more information the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County’s support services here.