Fidelis Care Distributes Free Fruits and Vegetables at ‘Veggies to Go’ Event in Broome County

Veggies to Go is a Fidelis Care program that provides free fruits and vegetables to individuals and families to promote nutrition and address food insecurity in communities across New York State. Fidelis Care works with local farmers to offer the food.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Upstate NY

“Hunger is everywhere. Like many regions of New York, Broome County has underserved communities struggling with food insecurity and food deserts,” said Fidelis Care Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo. 

“Veggies to Go is a great way to start the conversation about the agencies and programs available to help people find the services they need whether it’s healthcare or nutrition. We know that one bag of produce is not going to solve a family’s hunger long term, but it is a way to connect people with resources that can assist them.”

Ongoing Community Support

Fidelis Care partners with First Presbyterian Church on an ongoing basis to help the community. Every week, Fidelis Care attends the First Presbyterian Church community meal. A Fidelis Care StreetSide RV visits the church every Wednesday with a representative to answer questions about health insurance enrollment and renewals.

Working Together to Make a Difference in the Community

“Fidelis Care has been a wonderful partner for us,” said First Presbyterian Church Outreach Coordinator Amy Abbey. “When we work together, we get to meet multiple needs. It fuels my passion to help my neighbors. I want to make a difference in my local community, and we’re excited to do that here.”

Since its debut in August 2022, Veggies to Go has provided more than 23,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables across New York State with one more event scheduled in September.

Future Veggies to Go events remaining this year include:

• Friday, September 22, Noon to 2 PM: Lee’s Shop, Canajoharie, Montgomery County

Shannon Lombardo, Marketing Director, pictured at right, hands out bags of fruits and vegetables outside the First Presbyterian Church.

In preparation for the event, several Fidelis Care volunteers help to pack 150 bags of fresh produce sourced from local farmers.

Fidelis Care highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for underserved communities struggling with food insecurity in Upstate NY.

Informational materials, including Fidelis Care’s Lunchology Menu, were handed out during the Veggies to Go event.