SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Feeding South Dakota has announced a new produce program that will provide fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost to the organization’s agency partners across the state, according to a press release from the nonprofit organization.

The launch of the program was made possible with financial support from the health insurance company, The Wellmark Foundation, and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation.

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The nonprofit said in the news release that the “produce will increase healthy food options for food-insecure individuals while increasing the capacity for local agencies to serve their communities.”

“While fresh produce is one of the most important types of food we can provide, it is often one of the most difficult for our agency partners to obtain. This program lifts that barrier, helping put fruits and vegetables on more tables,” said Lori Dykstra, CEO of Feeding South Dakota.

Feeding South Dakota said they expect the program to distribute thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually.

“Good nutrition is one of the foundational building blocks of lifelong health and well-being. The Wellmark Foundation is proud to support Feeding South Dakota’s efforts to bring more healthy food options within reach for more people and communities across the state,” said Laura Jackson, chair of The Wellmark Foundation.

“This work is helping make Rapid City a place where no one goes hungry, and we’re excited to see this impact grow and benefit families across South Dakota,” said Jacqui Dietrich, John T. Vucurevich Foundation President and CEO.