Expree Supports Food Access Initiatives

Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub announced partnership with Expree Credit Union

In 2024, Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub announced a partnership with the not-for-profit financial cooperative, Expree Credit Union, that directly benefited Locals’ in-house food access program, Local Food Forward. Through this partnership, Expree generously committed to match each donation to the Local Food Forward program, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Community members can donate by visiting www.localsfoodhub.com, then clicking About.

All money raised through this program will help facilitate a variety of food access initiatives, with the goal of providing local, nutrient-rich food to underserved members of the community. Aiming to have a deep and lasting impact, Locals implemented these initiatives, made possible by Expree Credit Union, throughout 2024 and continuing into 2025.

In an effort to continue increasing access to local food, a majority of these funds are allocated to the Expree Triple Dollars program at Locals Food Hub, where 100% of the grocery items available for purchase are sourced from Kentucky producers. This program was designed to further extend the purchasing power for SNAP users who are already utilizing the Kentucky Double Dollars program. When community members use their SNAP card to purchase at least $20 worth of local groceries at Locals, they will receive $20 in free groceries through the Kentucky Double Dollars program, and an additional $20 in free groceries through the Expree Triple Dollars program. This initiative will provide $60 worth of local, nutrient dense food for only $20 spent.

“Expree Credit Union is focused on building better communities and promoting the well-being of our members. The credit union philosophy is “people helping people.” The efforts extend beyond financial stability to the well-being of their lives as a whole and building a better future. Partnering with Locals to provide underserved families the opportunity to access fresh, healthy, local food and promote healthier eating habits is perfectly in line with our philosophy. Helping combat health issues and establishing a healthier community overall benefits everyone in Franklin County,” explained Andrea Giusti, Chief Marketing Officer at Expree. Local businesses and community members are invited to match Expree Credit Union’s generosity, in an effort to raise $20,000 to further the impact of these important local food access programs. To contribute, visit www.localsfoodhub.com and click About.

A project of Birch Bragg, Michelle Bragg, Joseph Fiala and Taylor Marshall, the Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub concept is designed to increase the community’s access to local foods, to support the region’s hard-working food producers, and to help contribute to a stronger local food economy. The original Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub location is at 863 Wilkinson Boulevard, in Frankfort, Kentucky, and an additional location in the Smoketown neighborhood of Louisville.

Learn more at www.localsfoodhub.com, or on Facebook and Instagram.