As a result of donor generosity on Giving Tuesday, MUST Ministries has raised the money necessary to purchase and retrofit a bus that will become an innovative Neighborhood Mobile Pantry. The mobile bus will take fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, breads, canned goods and even dairy, when available, to people living in ‘food deserts’ in Cobb, Cherokee and surrounding counties where groceries are not within walking distance.
In addition to many individual gifts dedicated to this important cause, organizations committed a total of $80,000 for purchasing and converting the bus. Beacon Foundation, Griffco Design Build and Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church made significant donations during Georgia Gives Day.
“On behalf of thousands of our clients who suffer from food instability, MUST is grateful to these the donors who support MUST Ministries and fulfill MUST’s mission of serving our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Ike Reighard, President and CEO of MUST Ministries. “The 40-ft. bus will be fitted with freezer space, refrigerator and storage to take to food deserts in our serve area where food resources are limited and transportation is almost non-existent.”
Food insecurity – not knowing where the next meal will come from – is a symptom of suburban poverty that affects 755,400 in metro Atlanta and north Georgia (Feeding America). MUST experience shows the greatest challenge clients have in receiving food pantry assistance is transportation. Many low-income families do not have vehicles and public transportation in the suburbs is very limited and not affordable.
The pantry should be operational by March, according to MUST officials. They are still working toward covering operating costs that will include a driver, permits, gas, maintenance, and other essential expenses. To donate, please visit www.mustministries.org. #foodwithinreach #mustgoesmobile
