GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Food that makes a difference in Brown County is going mobile.
The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County launched its Grounded On the Go food truck on Thursday. It’s one of the first accessible food trucks in the community, built for employees and volunteers who use wheelchairs for mobility.
This custom-made food truck features an electronic wheelchair lift and accessible kitchen items. It also uses federal and state dollars to offer a donation-based meal for people 60 years and older. Customers can also purchase meals from the truck as usual.
ADRC Director Devon Christianson said the project is a result of a grant the ADRC applied for during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the organization looked to solve problems including isolation and loneliness, food security, transportation barriers, and work opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“All of the ‘isms’ that we face: ageism, sexism, ableism. How can we change and address the stigmas that exist for people who might need help and services?” Christianson explained. “Who doesn’t want to come out into the community, connect with their peers and have a meal like everyone else?”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, across all age groups, individuals with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no disability and the unemployment rate for people with a disability is twice as high as their counterparts.
“Our other goal is to take this truck to the people. Get this truck in front of folks who can’t drive downtown. We want to go out into our rural communities… and bring this meal to people while still addressing all those issues,” Christianson said.
