In 2018 Community Partnership Inc. (CP) performed a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) which revealed a need for better access to transportation and healthy foods throughout Butler County. In response, The Produce Cart was commissioned to reach individuals experiencing these challenges where they are, across a variety of public and residential locations.
Community Partnership was also approached by the Aliquippa Food Council to help serve a similar need for fresh produce access in downtown Aliquippa. Options to fund the project were limited due to its narrow scope, so the Council partnered with The Produce Cart, adding Aliquippa as a market location outside of Butler County.
While initial discussions with the Aliquippa Food Council were being held, Community Partnership was also in touch with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. As part of a merger, CP will assume operational management of the Villa Maria Farm while continuing existing programs, including produce donations to food banks, a CSA Share, and sales to the kitchen on the property. To continue the Sisters’ efforts and further the connection in Lawrence County, CP designated New Castle as a priority area.
These interactions defined the initial working area for the Produce Cart as Aliquippa, Butler, and New Castle when it