The Nutrition Center

The Urban Mission Campus is located in the largest food desert in St. Joseph. The closest grocery store is 4 miles away, making obtaining food almost impossible without a vehicle. Public transportation allows food to be carried on the bus, but it must fit in the rider’s lap, which for riders feeding families, is not realistic.

In 2019, Second Harvest redesigned operations and closed the Fresh Start Food Pantry. The pantry had served as access to food for those living in the food desert. In order to continue to meet this need, The Crossing became a partner agency of Second Harvest, opening the Nutrition Center.

The Nutrition Center is a food rescue program, receiving food that would be thrown away from HyVee, Wal-Mart, Price Chopper and Sam’s Club. The Crossing purchased a box truck to pick up discarded food daily. The program relies heavily on volunteers and donations from individuals. To volunteer or donate shelf-stable foods, which include things like: canned vegetables and fruit, canned meat, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, pasta, hamburger/tuna helper, bread and cereal call (816) 396 – 8113, or click one of the buttons below.