The Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the city will be launching a Door to Store pilot program on Feb. 1.
The program will provide complimentary rides to grocery stores for residents in the JTA's Northside ReadiRide zone. The pilot program will last a year and is intended to give access to residents in food deserts.
The pilot program is being funded through the city’s Northwest Economic Development Fund.
“I am grateful for the JTA’s efforts and excited to see this wonderful program take flight,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “There are still other areas in our community that lack easy access to the healthy foods, so my team and I will continue to look for solutions to meet these important community needs.”
Officials announced on Saturday the new program in front of the future Winn-Dixie store location at the Gateway Town Center.
“As the public transportation provider of bus service and our on-demand shuttle service in this area, the JTA saw an opportunity to expand the boundary of ReadiRide to provide greater access to fresh food,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford. “I am grateful to the Mayor and City Council for leading this effort and partnering with us to help eliminate barriers to grocery stores in our community.”