Detroit Free Press
By Joe Rossiter

A pilot program designed to offer Detroiters healthier food choices and easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables was announced Tuesday by Gov. Jennifer Granholm outside Peaches & Green, a produce store in Detroit.

Operating much like ice cream vendors, trucks bearing fresh fruits and vegetables and sporting logos of MI Neighborhood Food Movers are to drive through city neighborhoods on designated routes and during assigned times.

Granholm said “providing easy access to fruits and vegetables with a reasonable price tag will go a long way toward helping to improve the overall health of local citizens.”

The innovative program is the result of a partnership between the state and three area nonprofit organizations. Besides Peaches & Green, the other two organizations are Up South Foods and Field of Our Dreams.

It is being funded through a $75,000 low-interest loan with $50,000 provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and $25,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Others in attendance at the announcement included Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Detroit City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta, as well as other state and local officials.

Jocelyn Harris, 59, a Detroiter who is the proprietor of Up South Foods, appeared overjoyed with the announcement.

“This is a miraculous day indeed for many Detroit residents and a dream come true for me,” said the former Detroit science teacher. “I can feel this project is destined for greatness.”

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