Veggies To Go provides community members with fresh produce

ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A New York State health insurance provider is looking to keep people healthy with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fidelis Care held a Veggies to Go event this morning outside of the Mother Teresa's Cupboard food pantry in Endicott.

The insurer gave away 125 bags of fresh produce consisting of lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, zucchini, potato, carrots, onions and apples.

This is the second time Fidelis has brought Veggies to Go to our area, holding an event in Johnson City last year.

Sales and Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo says recipients were also offered information on how to sign up for low-cost quality healthcare.

"Nutrition is healthcare. We know that one bag of these vegetables and fruits are not going to solve health and food insecurities, but this is a great way to connect people with the community and resources for their longer-term needs," said Lombardo.

Since launching the initiative in August 2022, Fidelis Care has distributed over 57,000 pounds of produce statewide.