A Tampa Y Veggie Van volunteer named Robert helps unload produce at a distribution location in his community.

Robert helps Elizabeth unload the Tampa YMCA Veggie Van.
 

Meeting the Needs of our Community

We are proud to meet our members where they are. From working with children at the start of their swimming journey, to supporting adults with health and wellness, we are there for those who need us most.

Additionally, we work to meet our members where they are in terms of wellness and food resources. The Tampa Y is combating food insecurity for a healthy community with our Veggie Van – A Mobile Market Place – which meets the needs of individuals and families living in underserved areas of Hillsborough and East Pasco counties.

Elizabeth Roman, the Director of Mobile Pantries, distributes fresh produce from community partner Feeding Tampa Bay every first and third week of the month.

Hundreds of families in the communities of Tampa Heights, Sulphur Springs, Plant City, Dover, TGH Healthpark in Tampa, Wimauma and Lacoochee in Pasco County are recipients of Veggie Van food.

Throughout the 2022 – 2023 school year, four special students rally to support Elizabeth in her food distribution.

Willis Peters Students

Marlyn, Isaiah, Levy and Robert are all students at Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover, Florida. Each student filled out a job application and interviewed for the role of Mobile Pantry Volunteer, and now it’s a title they are proud to hold. Every first and third week the students help Elizabeth unload the produce from the Veggie Van, sort it, and keep a list of which students will receive which box of food for their family.

The students are able to build on their social skills, learn responsibility and be part of a unified project.

Robert likes to “wear his uniform and help Elizabeth unload with [his] muscles!”

Elizabeth is honored to work with the students and is happy to facilitate the food distribution to families who need it most. “It is pleasure working with Kelley Touchton, MSW School Social Worker, and the students at Willis Peters Exceptional Center. It is sincerely the highlight of my week. The students are always so eager to serve and help me unload the boxes with huge smiles. I can genuinely say they make my life richer,” shares Elizabeth.

Fueling the Community with Fresh Vegetables

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

Elizabeth notes, “Food is the language that unifies us all. If we are eating healthy, we feel healthy, and if we feel healthy, we can take on anything! I truly feel blessed for the honor to help my families achieve all that they set their mind to one healthy meal at a time.”


Learn more about food insecurity and the work the Veggie Van is doing to reduce the food gap in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties.

 

Published Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022