Veggie Van

Combating Food Insecurity for a Healthy Community

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s Veggie Van – A Mobile Market Place – meets the needs of individuals and families living in underserved areas of Hillsborough and East Pasco counties. Through the Veggie Van, the Y distributes fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables into targeted communities, which are labeled food deserts. A food desert is defined as an urban neighborhood without ready access to fresh, healthy and affordable food.

The Veggie Van’s goal is to improve the overall well-being of participants and their families. In addition to providing produce, staff and volunteers provide recipe information and healthy living tips. Working with families to improve food preparation, cooking and exercise habits helps minimize the risk of obesity, chronic disease and high blood pressure.

Service Locations 
The Y’s Veggie Van stops in the communities of Tampa Heights, Sulphur Springs, Plant City, Dover, TGH Healthpark in Tampa, Wimauma and Lacoochee in Pasco County. Community food distributions take place the first and third weeks on every month. For specific delivery locations and schedules please contact Elizabeth.Roman@tampaymca.org.

Cost
We ask that individuals donate what they can, if they can. While there is not a fee to participate in the Veggie Van, we ask that participants consider a donation to help keep this service free for those who need it.  

The Veggie Van is generously supported by: Feeding Tampa Bay, Publix Charities, American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, YMCA of the USA, Joy McCann Foundation, United Way Suncoast, Tampa General Hospital, United Way Pasco County, Sprouts. For more information, contact Elizabeth.Roman@tampaymca.org.