Now in two south Bronx neighborhoods – Fresh Direct, with healthy food options delivered to residents’ doors.
The company is also taking food stamps in the two pilot Zip code zones as part of an agreement with city to move its operations to the Bronx.
The new site is slated to be built in the Harlem River Yard, with the city helping with a $128 million package of cash and tax breaks.
The move has not been without some controversy, with local opponents filing a lawsuit, charging the company’s delivery trucks will add to local pollution.
That includes in asthma and respiratory disease-prone Zipcodes 10454 covering Port Morris and Mott Haven, and 10455 in Woodstock just to the north where the pilot program kicked off Sept. 14.
The company’s food stamp pilot program will support EBT transactions for online purchases in the two zip codes.
Fresh Direct CEO Jason Ackerman said, “In the short term, this unprecedented pilot will provide food stamp users in parts of the Bronx greater access to fresh groceries. But its real value is over the long term since it has the potential to modernize a critical food assistance program….” A company spokesperson said the pilot program is aimed at changing a federal policy that keeps food stamp recipients from using their benefits to purchase over the internet. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said he is happy to see Fresh Direct’s continued commitment to the Bronx.
Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394
