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Treasure Coast Food Bank discusses mobile pantry, lockers and produce truck for Sebastian
Summary
Board heard a report on meetings with Treasure Coast Food Bank about mobile distributions, a pilot locker program, and a new twice‑monthly produce truck; staff requested GIS need maps from the food bank and considered a January test event.
City staff told the Natural Resources Board on Nov. 4 that they are working with Treasure Coast Food Bank to establish short‑term and longer‑term food‑security options inside Sebastian.
Dan reported he and Felicia met with Krista Garfola, chief strategy officer at Treasure Coast Food Bank and a Sebastian resident, to review possible models including mobile drive‑through distributions, a locker system for preordered packages, and placement of a recurring mobile market (produce truck). Krista offered to provide GIS data to help identify locations of greatest need within the city limits.
Dan said Treasure Coast can bring a mobile distribution (pallets unloaded from a semi) and that volunteers are supplied for unloading; the city would provide tents, parking logistics and volunteer recruitment. Staff discussed holding test events in January and identified the city parking lot as a preferred temporary site for logistics and police presence; other sites (airport, sports park) were raised and set aside due to traffic and space constraints.
Dan said staff also discussed a pilot locker program — where residents order food online and pick it up from a secured locker — but noted that the pilot requires a consistent onsite coordinator and may need more staffing than the city can provide at present. Separately, the board heard that a market/produce truck began visiting Sebastian twice a month, bringing fresh produce and refrigerated goods.
The board discussed volunteer recruitment through schools, the Boys & Girls Club, and scouts and agreed to continue planning with Treasure Coast Food Bank and to seek additional partners. No formal funding decisions were made at the meeting.
What’s next: Treasure Coast Food Bank will supply GIS need maps and the city will continue planning a possible January pilot distribution and volunteer outreach.
