What We Do

What is the Veggie Van?

The Veggie Van is a donation-based market that carries locally-grown fruits and veggies to rural communities in Southeastern Ohio, 10 months out of the year.   In 2020, Community Food Initiatives piloted the Veggie Van in Glouster, Ohio, with support from multiple Athens County based organizations working for healthy communities and a thriving, equitable local food system.  Key collaborators include the Creating Healthy Communities Coalition, Rural Action, ACEnet, HAPCAP, and the Athens County Public Library system.  In 2021, Veggie Van has expanded to serve Coolville and Nelsonville weekly, with periodic pop-up markets in other small, rural communities.     

In order to provide equitable access to the fresh, local, food Veggie Van carries, customers pay whatever they're able.  Firmly based in our vision for a thriving and just local food system, the Veggie Van offers locally-grown produce in exchange for any level of donation.  All unsold produce is distributed to our food pantry partners, and all donations support food purchase and distribution.  This model supports our local farmers while also ensuring that fresh, local fruits and veggies are accessible for all.

Stay up to date on Veggie Van news!

We share delicious recipes, quick nutritional facts, and beautiful photos once a month in our Veggie Van newsletter. Stay up to date with any happenings by signing up below! 

Veggie Van Newsletter Sign Up

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The Veggie Van Study Component

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This project is funded in part through a grant from the University of Buffalo.  They are conducting a study to determine the impact that increased access to fresh fruits and veggies has on wellness, so for this project we’re looking for a total of 60 study participants in various locations who will answer questions at the beginning of the market season, and again at the end.  We’re excited to see factual evidence of how important it is to eliminate obstacles to accessing fresh produce!   

The Veggie Van is currently operating in Glouster, Nelsonville, and Coolville.  Participants who sign up mid-season will receive up to $60 in gift cards.  The study will help us make Veggie Van better!  Sign up today! 

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Veggie Van Study FAQ Sheet

Click on this image to access a sheet of Veggie Van FAQ.
You can also reach out to Ivan Orquera or Susie Huser with questions.
(Contact info provided in the left-hand margin.)