The Massachusetts Avenue Project on Buffalo's west side introduced its new food truck Tuesday. The vehicle will allow expansion of MAP's healthy food distribution project.
The organization, through its Growing Green Program, has created a sustaining model of urban agriculture. The new truck is used to deliver fresh, affordable produce to Buffalo's low-income neighborhoods.
"The mobile market is one way that MAP fulfills its mission to increase access to fresh, healthy, affordable food and to provide economic opportunities to young people and others," said Executive Director Diane Picard.
MAP was able to purchase the mobile market vehicle because of a grant from the New York State Healthy Food, Healthy Communities Fund.
Among the dignitaries present for the ceremony at the organization's urban farm at 389 Massachusetts was State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine. Aubertine praised MAP for the work it is doing in trying to change the city's food system.
"We're here today to celebrate another success story in which New Yorkers are going out of their way to help fellow New Yorkers in underserved areas gain access to abundant fresh foods and vegetables that are produced right here in New York," Aubertine said.
Aubertine said MAP is teaching sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.