COTA BELIEVE TEAM TO HOST FIRST COMMUNITY PRODUCE DRIVE OF 2026 AT NORTHERN LIGHTS PARK & RIDE WEDNESDAY
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority’s (COTA) BELIEVE Employee Resource Group (ERG) will host the first of four “COTA Produce Stand” food distribution events of 2026 on Wednesday, April 22. The produce stand will be held at COTA’s Northern Lights Park and Ride, 3569 Cleveland Ave. beginning at 3 p.m., and will continue until all produce boxes are distributed.
Please note: this event was rescheduled from its original date of April 15, due to a discrepancy in the food delivery.
Fresh fruit and vegetables at no cost will be available for families in need, provided in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and packed and distributed by COTA’s BELIEVE Team. BELIEVE stands for Black Employees Leading in Inclusion, Excellence, Vision, and Education. Since 2022, BELIEVE has distributed more than 20 tons of food to thousands of Central Ohio families, particularly to communities with limited access to fresh produce.
“Being part of BELIEVE and the COTA Produce Stand is about more than handing out food, it’s about showing up for our neighbors in a real and meaningful way,” said Katrina Matthews, events specialist, marketing and engagement at COTA and BELIEVE ERG team member. “Access to fresh, healthy food should never feel out of reach. We’re proud to roll up our sleeves, partner with organizations like Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Kroger to make sure families in our community have the support they need. This is simply neighbors helping neighbors.”
The BELIEVE ERG strives to break down barriers and dissolve systemic issues through advocacy, corporate events, employee activities, networking and community partnerships. It is made up of 177 COTA employees and hosts a total of four food drives throughout the year.
