YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County Launches Expanded Mobile Food Pantry For Cortland County

The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County have announced an expansion of their mobile food pantry in an effort to increase access to nutritious food for those living in rural and underserved areas. The expansion now includes rural areas of Tompkins and Cortland Counties.

The YMCA says the expanded mobile food pantry will begin this spring, the organization plans to start rural outreach twice a month where they’ll bring fresh produce, healthy pantry staples, and culturally relevant food items to communities where transportation, distance, and limited retail options can create barriers to healthy eating.

The expanded service was made possible from support of Care Compass Network, the YMCA says, who they say have supported the organization with funding to purchase the truck and trailer that will operate the mobile food pantry initiative.

“Our goal is simple: meet people where they are,” said Kurt L. Kleefeld, Director of Community Health at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. “Rural families often face longer travel distances and fewer grocery options. With the support of Care Compass Network and the addition of our dedicated truck and trailer, we can bring healthy food directly into Cortland and Tompkins Counties twice each month and strengthen food access across our region.”

The YMCA says food insecurity remains a constant challenge throughout the area, especially for rural communities, older adults, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The organization says limited access to affordable, nutritious food can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

According to the YMCA, the mobile food pantry will operate in partnership with local agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify priority locations and ensure outreach aligns with local needs. In addition to food distribution, participants will have opportunities to connect with YMCA evidence-based health programs, community health navigation, and other supportive services.