Ohio is filled with productive farms and great produce.
You'd think every Ohioan has access to fresh fruits and vegetables, but that's not the case, reported ONN's Harrison Hove.
"There are some neighborhoods that don't even have grocery stores, most of them it's corner stores. It's really challenging to get produce then," said Local Matters Veggie Van Coordinator Jessica Roach.
Programs like the Veggie Van help bring the nutrient rich perishables to urban centers around central Ohio.
Each week volunteers load bags of the produce in vans. Each bag weighs 12 to 13 pounds and costs $15. More than 150 bags are passed out each week.
"Access to one's food as a means of taking care of one's body has always been part of the conversation, but it is becoming more of a mainstream conversation," Roach said.
Cooking demos and recipes provide ideas for Debbi Huff's dinner table.
"I started with recipes they provided and my family started to eat vegetables, things we have never tried before. We're really thrilled (with the program)," said Huff, who purchases produce from the Veggie Van.
As bags of local, fresh vegetables reach more and more hands, new healthy foods are nourishing Ohio bellies.
"It ultimately boils down to you make it easy, cost effective, and you make it accessible," Roach said.
