The Alliance seeks to feed families through first public pop-up produce event

JOPLIN, MO – The Alliance will distribute 800 boxes of free, locally-grown and minimally processed food items from underserved producers from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 7.

The event will take place in the large parking lot located at 1901 South Pearl Avenue. Missourians in need are encouraged to drive-through to receive their groceries while supplies last. No registration or ID is necessary to receive assistance.

The Alliance is currently seeking volunteers to assist with the distribution. Those interested in helping can sign up online or contact the office at 417-782-9899.

“I am excited about increasing access to locally produced foods for community members while establishing economic opportunities for local farmers,” said India Malherbe, Pop-Up Produce Coordinator for The Alliance.

The Pop-Up Produce Program is made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA).

Through LFPA, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) seeks to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced, and processed food from underserved producers by partnering with organizations like The Alliance.

The Alliance partnered with the Neosho School District to serve families within the Bright Futures program, distributing 250 boxes of beef from Thogmartin Cattle Co. along with apples, rice, and sweet potatoes from surrounding communities on Nov. 20.

Similar items can be expected for the distribution on Dec. 7. A list of upcoming Pop-Up Produce events can be found on The Alliance website.