Food insecurity is rampant across the U.S. In Philadelphia alone, roughly 21% of residents are considered food insecure. And while organizations like Philabundance work tirelessly to provide hunger relief, there may be other ways to help those in need.

Subodha Kumar and his co-authors research focused on how the mobile food pantries can achieve high equity levels of food distribution.

The researchers found that not only could mobile pantries triple the total amount of food distribution, but even small amounts of mobile pantry distribution could allow for more flexibility and equity in underserved areas. 

To ensure program success, Kumar encourages food banks and distributors to partner with local agencies—such as restaurants and soup kitchens—to cultivate a sense of community.