TMA Loyola York Road Food Access and Security

Loyola University Maryland¿s York Road Food Access & Security AmeriCorps VISTA project addresses food insecurity and public health gaps along the York Road corridor in Baltimore City. Rooted in Loyola¿s York Road Initiative, the project uses a place-based approach to support community-driven food access strategies through mutual aid, education, and resource coordination. The VISTA position is essential in sustaining and expanding the operations of the Govans Community Fridge¿an outdoor, publicly accessible fridge offering produce, meals, and hygiene products to neighbors in need.

In year two, the VISTA will lead the formal launch of a student-led chapter of the Food Recovery Network (FRN) at Loyola. This chapter will organize food recovery from Loyola¿s dining services and events and ensure that surplus food is safely and consistently redirected to the Govans Community Fridge and other local distribution points. The VISTA will recruit and support student leaders, develop protocols, and manage logistics for safe storage and redistribution.

In addition to managing these key food access systems, the VISTA will support food literacy programming through recipe development, nutrition education, and partnerships with the Govans Farmers Market. By connecting residents, students, and businesses through collaborative food security efforts, the project builds long-term systems to reduce hunger and improve community health.

This project aligns with the Healthy Futures AmeriCorps focus area and addresses poverty by increasing consistent access to fresh food and health resources for low-income residents in Northeast Baltimore.