By The Hub News Staff Reports
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) is expanding its community support efforts this holiday season by offering free transportation to local food pantries through its MVTA Connect service.
The transit authority announced it will provide free-ride codes through Nov. 21 for customers traveling to food pantries in the south metro area, addressing transportation barriers that can prevent individuals and families from accessing food assistance during a time of increased food insecurity.
“MVTA has always been about connecting people to opportunity,” said Joya Stetson, MVTA Community and Economic Development Director. “Right now, one of the most important opportunities we can provide is access to food. We want our riders to know that we are here to help them get to local food shelves safely and conveniently.”
Customers can access the free rides by using the promo code “MVTA to Pantry” when planning trips to south metro food shelves through the MVTA Connect service.
The effort runs alongside the transit authority’s Stuff the Bus food collection campaign, which accepts nonperishable food donations at Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Eagan Transit Stations. Those donations will be distributed to south metro food shelves in December.
For more information about using the free ride codes or MVTA Connect service, residents can visit www.mvta.com or call MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500.