In an effort to reduce food deserts in northern Harford County, the Harford County Department of Community Services has partnered with nonprofits Mason-Dixon Community Services and The Harford Center to launch a mobile food pantry.

As reported in The Baltimore Sun:

A food desert is an area where residents lack access to fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy options – preferably local products, and also don’t have consistent public access including transportation, walking convenience, and daily hours of operation, according to a news release.

Even though the northern Harford area is known for its agricultural economy, it is also considered one of the county’s largest food deserts, according to the release. Many northern Harford families and seniors are homebound and may not possess a car or have other means of transportation. Many would need to travel a considerable distance to reach a grocery store, produce stand or other support services.

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Recently Mason-Dixon Executive Director Tori Dietrich conceived an idea to start a mobile food pantry which would deliver healthy food to the doorsteps of homebound customers. To make the concept a reality, however, they needed volunteers and a van to make deliveries.

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“My administration is eager to support this innovative partnership, which provides employment for adults with disabilities and vital services to food-insecure residents in Harford County,” Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement. “The program exemplifies what can be accomplished when organizations collaborate to overcome challenges for our citizens.”

For more information read the full article in The Baltimore Sun.