Tri-State Food Bank is taking a new approach to connect local residents with different food options, and it's going the digital route in doing so.
The food bank, which works with a network of over 300 pantries and feeding programs throughput the area, distributes over 14 million pounds of perishable and non-perishable foods with the help of volunteers.
“We hope that by easing a family’s burden of locating food resources they will gain more peace of mind in knowing where their next meal is coming from," Glenn Roberts, executive director of the Tri-State Food Bank, said in a news release.
Here's what we know about the food bank's new digital effort:
What is platform, and how does it work?
It's called Vivery, an innovative platform and digital map to help families and individuals experiencing food insecurity connect with food resources in their community and surrounding areas. The food bank's website allows users to change the site's language so neighbors can access information in their most comfortable language.
Users can also search by zip code or address to ensure they find the find the best option closest to them.
What features does this include?
An interactive online map with a searchable directory of food distribution sites with up-to-date schedules, times, directions, and programs.