Local Produce Link

New Yorkers who live below the poverty line consistently have higher rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Many of these people have no access to fresh produce.

Launched as a joint project of United Way of New York City and Just Food, Local Produce Link connects food pantries in low-income communities with area farmers to purchase fresh local produce throughout the growing season.  An extension of the Hunger Prevention & Nutrition Assistance Program, the initiative also offers cooking demonstrations that ensure agency staff and clients develop skills and confidence to create safe and nutritious meals using the produce. 

In 2010, Local Produce Link enabled 38 food pantries to receive 208,000 pounds of fresh produce from seven local farmers and one farmers' market.