KRAFT FOODS FOUNDATION HELPS POPULATIONS MOST AT-RISK FOR HUNGER

NORTHFIELD, Ill., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraft Foods Foundation and Feeding America are rolling out 10 new mobile pantry vehicles to reach those hardest hit with food insecurity – African-American and Latino populations. According to the USDA, one in four families within these groups is considered food insecure, versus one in six in the general population. And the rate for children at risk for food insecurity within these groups is around one in three.

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With the help of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization, and local food banks, this first-of-its kind minority outreach mobile pantry program will deliver food to underserved neighborhoods.  Many of these neighborhoods are food deserts – areas where residents might not have access to grocery stores and emergency food assistance. The mobile pantry trucks will deliver 9 million pounds of fresh produce and mealtime staples to families each year.

"The numbers show us that many African-American and Latino families are struggling to make ends meet and facing significant challenges to putting dinner on the table," said Nicole Robinson, Vice President, Kraft Foods Foundation.  "By partnering with communities of color, we're delivering the innovation of mobile pantries to families disproportionately impacted by hunger.  Stocked with a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and protein items, mobile pantries help close the gap for our neighbors in need."

'Farmers'-Market-on-Wheels'The Kraft Foods Foundation Mobile Pantry program is the first mobile pantry program to specifically target outreach to African-American and Latino families disproportionately impacted by food insecurity. The program is rolling out in Columbus, Ga.; Concord, Calif.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Elmsford, N.Y.; Greely, Colo.; Houston, Texas; Milwaukee, Wis.; Newark, Del.; San Antonio, Texas; and Valdosta, Ga.   

The 10 refrigerated trucks - "farmers'-markets-on-wheels" - bring fresh fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy products that are especially important for good nutrition and often missing from the diets of families facing food insecurity. 

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