Since being diagnosed with lung cancer, Tom has been unable to work. Limited transportation and the lack of grocery stores near his Lindsay Heights home in Milwaukee make accessing healthy, nutritious food he needs to fight his disease difficult.

The Lindsay Heights neighborhood is one of several “food deserts” in Milwaukee. A food desert is defined as neighborhoods void of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers. A recent study of the Lindsay Heights neighborhood revealed seniors living in the area were particularly vulnerable.

The Lindsay Heights Mobile Food Pantry Collective, led by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, was developed to ensure residents of Lindsay Heights have access to the healthy, nutritious food they need.

Recently, Tom received a box filled with fresh, wholesome food delivered to his front door, thanks to the pilot program – a partnership between Feeding America, the Community Planning Council, Walnut Way, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Running Rebels.

“Fresh produce is wonderful!” he said, as he accepted the food box. “I’m hoping this food is going to bring my stomach back out! It’s not going to be in my back no more.”