THE PROBLEM

For families and children living in food deserts, having safe access to resources (ie grocery stores, schools, gas stations, etc) is extremely difficult, if not impossible. In many cases, these communities have highways or other infrastructure (also including distance) creating unsafe geographic barriers between residents of the community and available grocery stores. According to Wilder Research, a food desert refers to an urban area in which a substantial portion of the residents are low-income and live more than one mile from a supermarket or grocery store (2014).

While this might seem like a big-city problem, food deserts occur within our own community. Without consistent, reliable transportation to school (as would be available during the school year), the summer months can be especially difficult for students living in food deserts. ​

"My son is *always* hungry, no matter how much food we have available (thank you, pre-teen growth spurt). The food provided by your program gives him something quick he can eat or make by himself."

-real testimonial from a local parent

THE SOLUTION

In 2020, STOMP was implemented to fill the weekday meal gaps that resulted from the COVID-19 crisis. Today, with the assistance of community partners, FOCP provides weekday meals via mobile outreach sites during the summer months. 

Sites are selected based on proximity to schools, grocery stores and other food resources, specifically those locations which have geographic barriers to each (i.e. a food desert). All youth under 18 can access these sites via FOCP staff or volunteers who dutifully show up Monday thru Friday to a host of sites throughout the greater Mankato area. STOMP Meals will be offered June 13-August 30.

Check out the map below to view the 2024 site locations and times. 

2024 STOMP PICKUP LOCATIONS