Unlock Access to Fresh Food: Discover Rockford’s New Campaign for Bus Services to Local Food Pantries

In Rockford, a new initiative is underway to help those facing food insecurity. The Rockford Food Insecurity Task Force is teaming up with the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) to make it easier for people to get food assistance. They recently launched a campaign promoting bus routes that connect directly to food pantries throughout the city.

The campaign kicked off in front of the Rock River Valley Pantry, where ads now feature prominently on 41 RMTD buses. These ads ask, “Need Food?” and include QR codes directing people to resources like the Find Food Illinois Map and the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition. Similar information is also displayed inside the buses and on 10 bus shelters across the city.

Orlando Toatley, RMTD’s marketing manager, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “If you or someone you know needs food, you’ll know where to go and how to get there,” he said. Funding for this effort comes from the Kjellstrom Family Foundation and an Illinois Department of Human Services grant aimed at healing communities.

Studies indicate that people without access to a car are more likely to struggle with food insecurity. Tashara Grandys from the University of Illinois Extension highlighted this impact: “This campaign can bridge the gap between transportation and food access.” She hopes it will significantly help residents in Rockford who are in need of food.

The task force was established in October 2023, after local leaders identified food insecurity as a key challenge. As part of their efforts, they’re also looking into creating a mobile market. This will function like a grocery store on wheels, helping to bring food directly to underserved areas, similar to a successful program in Milwaukee.

Ginny Barnett, part of the task force, calls this new campaign a vital step in making food more accessible for everyone in Rockford. “Every bit counts, and we hope to reach those who need it most,” she said.

Toatley adds, “We want the path to healthy food to be clear. No one should go hungry due to transportation issues.” This sentiment echoes the larger movement to connect people with resources in their communities amid a backdrop of increasing food insecurity nationally.

This campaign is just one measure to address the pressing need for food access. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 13% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2021. Local initiatives like this one are crucial in helping to combat this serious issue on a community level.

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