Taking a bite out of hunger, one apple, peach or carrot at a time, thanks to the Cornell Cooperative Extension's Veggie Van.

  • The Veggie Van started four years ago thanks to the Creating Healthy Schools and Community Grant from NYS. 
  • On Wednesday's it rolls into Lackawanna. Thursdays it’s in Niagara Falls 
  • Cost is 50 cents per item up to $4

Once a week it rolls into Lackawanna and Niagara Falls. These are two places known to have food deserts, or locations without  a grocery store within a one-mile radius.

Last year, the Veggie Van sold 7,500 pounds of fresh, local produce. This year, it's on track to sell more than 12,000 pounds.

Not only is it teaching kids and their parents how to eat healthy, it's also connecting local farmers with their communities.

“We know the farmers, I can tell you where they grow it,” said Jenn Regan, the Veggie Van’s coordinator.  “One of the farm families is in the McCollum family very close to here. They’re the only farm in Lockport. It’s a couple and their two beautiful young daughters and they pick all of the stuff. They’re the ones who double wash the lettuce they love what they’re doing and we love their produce.”

The non-profit Veggie Van is in Lackawanna every Wednesday and it’s in Niagara Falls on Thursdays.