The Nori Project works to bring modern vending machines to food deserts in an effort to address racial inequity in food and nutrition.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville library is now offering healthy food options for the community.
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Friday that the Louisville Free Public Library has team up with the Nori Project to make healthy food available to patrons at the Shawnee Library.
The Nori Project works to bring modern vending machines to food deserts in an effort to address the problem racial inequity in food and nutrition. The machines are “thoughtfully curated, culturally relevant, and locally sourced,” officials said.
“Food deserts are a health and nutrition issue for residents in many corner of our community,” Greenberg said. “We are working to address this issue on a larger scale, but this is a fantastic opportunity to immediately provide nutritious options for so many families in the Shawnee neighborhood who utilize the library.”
Library Services Manager Damera Blincoe says studies show a lack of access to affordable, nutritious food can have negative impacts on learning, particularly among children.
“Through this pilot project, the Library and Library Foundation hope to reduce food insecurity for people visiting the Shawnee Library,” Blincoe added.
The Library Foundation is underwriting the cost of hosting the vending machine, with proceeds to benefit the library.
The Shawnee Library, located at 3912 West Broadway, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
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