Innovative Program Targeting Training, Jobs and Hunger Receives Prestigious State Award

29 Oct 2018


Montgomery County’s “Trucks and Tomatoes” Job Training and Urban Garden Enhancement Project is the recipient of the 2018 President’s Award for Innovative Practices by the Ohio Conference on Community Development.

The “Trucks and Tomatoes” Project is the result of a partnership between Montgomery County, the Dayton Foodbank, Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, and Central State University (CSU), with support from private sector trucking companies.

Like many communities, Montgomery County faces a shortage of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers.  The County Commissioners recognized that need, identified partners, established a plan and found other benefits, as well.

“The Trucks and Tomatoes project started with a goal of providing life-changing CDL credentials to low-income and unemployed individuals, and it quite literally grew into so much more,” said County Commissioner Judy Dodge.  “We are investing in people through partnerships that provide critical training, jobs and food in our community.”

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