The New Emergency Resource Agency (NERA) has received a Community Giving Fund grant from INTEGRIS Health to expand food delivery and transportation assistance efforts across North Central Oklahoma.
The New Emergency Resource Agency (NERA) has received a Community Giving Fund grant from INTEGRIS Health to expand food delivery and transportation assistance efforts across North Central Oklahoma.
Transportation remains one of the biggest barriers to food access in the region, especially for seniors, veterans, single-parent households, people with disabilities and families living in rural communities. While many households qualify for assistance, they often struggle to reach NERA’s neighbor-choice grocery center because they lack reliable transportation, cannot afford fuel costs or are physically unable to travel regularly for groceries.
The new funding will allow NERA to strengthen and expand its volunteer-led front porch delivery program, which currently serves households in rural communities surrounding Ponca City. Over the next year, the program plans to gradually expand delivery routes and transportation assistance into more underserved areas throughout NERA’s service region.
Grant funds will support transportation coordination, fuel costs, expanded food purchasing and the development of systems needed to sustainably grow the program. The initiative will also help NERA increase transportation assistance for neighbors who become stranded or are otherwise unable to return home after accessing services.
Christopher Radaker-James, executive director of NERA, welcomed the additional resources made available through the INTEGRIS Health system.
“Transportation is the greatest barrier to food access in North Central Oklahoma,” Radaker-James said. “Thanks to support from the INTEGRIS Health Community Giving Fund, NERA is expanding food delivery services to help seniors, veterans and single parents access nutritious food with dignity. Every mile traveled represents a household that no longer has to worry about finding nourishment.”
“Our healthcare system takes pride in supporting our local food bank through this grant as part of our commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of our community,” said Mark Dooley, chief hospital executive of INTEGRIS Health Ponca City Hospital.
NERA’s long-term goal is to build a stronger regional network of volunteers and transportation support that improves food access for households facing mobility and transportation barriers. By reducing those barriers, the organization hopes to help more neighbors maintain consistent access to nutritious food while preserving dignity, independence and community connection.
Click here to learn more about the INTEGRIS Health Community Giving Fund.
