© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

United Way And Strong Neighborhood Houses Selling Discount Foods In Rockford Saturday

United Way of Rock River Valley
/
http://www.unitedwayrrv.org/

United Way of the Rock River Valley is bringing fresh produce and meats to two food-disadvantaged Rockford neighborhoods Saturday.

The charity is teaming up with Chicago-based Top Box, which purchases the foods wholesale, and Strong Neighborhood houses, where police live among the community. United Way Vice President Linda Sandquist said the two neighborhoods in question, Midtown and Rural Oaks, are considered food deserts.

“Our food deserts exist not just because there is no grocery store there, but because people in certain areas do not have the transportation to get to the grocery store," she said.

To ensure as many people as possible receive wholesome foods, Sandquist said they're also expanding payment methods. 

“You can use credit cards, you can pay cash, you can use a check, and you can also use SNAP, so it really makes the nutritious food affordable for families that maybe have difficulty getting to the grocery store or who are on assistance and can’t always afford higher-priced produce and meats.”

  • The first sale takes place from 11 to 12:30 at 908 Eighth Avenue in Midtown.
  • The second sale will offer food from 1:30 to 3:00 at 1233 Revell Avenue in Rural Oaks. 

United Way is funding the monthly sale through October as a pilot program and hopes to make it a recurring event if there are enough participants.