The health of some of our local communities is being negatively impacted by lack of access to nutritious, affordable food. Some Chester County residents do not have easy access to supermarkets. Although farmers markets operate in many towns during the summer, prices can be too high for those with limited income. Also, very few farmer retailers are authorized to accept food assistance benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that can enable purchases to be more affordable.     

The Chester County Food Bank has been supplying produce and other fresh foods to local cupboards and non-profit organizations for many years, taking advantage of partnerships with local farmers to distribute quality fruits and vegetables. In 2015, the Food Bank piloted a project designed to increase availability of affordable fresh produce in underserved areas of the county. During the growing season, the Fresh2You Mobile Market brought fruits and vegetables to residents of Coatesville and Honey Brook on a weekly basis.

This year, Fresh2You will expand significantly to operate markets at 10 locations across the county, adding sites in Parkesburg, Oxford, Kennett and West Chester. In addition to fresh produce, the Mobile Market will offer eggs, staple grains, dried beans, and more for sale. In planning for the 2016 Fresh2You season, the Food Bank has collaborated with local partner organizations to identify market locations that will most benefit the community. These partners also play a key role in actively promoting the Mobile Market among residents and constituents.

Along with making local and high-quality foods available, Fresh2You seeks to educate the public about cooking and nutrition. Roberta Cosentino, the Market Coordinator, will draw attention to seasonal fruits and vegetables by providing tasty samples and healthy recipes for customers. Student interns will also be available to answer questions and to offer tips on preparing meals with fresh produce.

The lack of local availability of fruit and vegetables in some parts of Chester County can be a major barrier to healthier eating, but the relatively high cost of nutritious foods can also be a formidable barrier. While the Mobile Market accepts all forms of payment – cash, credit and debit – the Food Bank also seeks to help customers with food assistance benefits to stretch their food budgets. Households shopping with SNAP/EBT earn matching dollars, known as “Veggie Bucks” that can be spent on future purchases of fruits and vegetables. The Mobile Market also accepts PA Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers, which some low-income seniors and mothers receiving WIC benefits can use to buy fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania.

“We’re thrilled that the Chester County Food Bank is filling a critical need in Coatesville for access to the freshest produce — and that they’re taking it to so many accessible locations like West End Park,” said Frances Sheehan, President & CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation.All this is coming to a reality thanks, in part, to QVC–the West Chester video and ecommerce retailer and Fresh2You’s first premiere sponsor.

“As a good corporate neighbor we want to support efforts that bring help and hope to those in the communities where we live and work,” Says Suzanne L. Quigley, Director of Community Affairs.

“Our employees know that food security is an issue…when the Food Bank asked us about the premiere sponsorship it really just seemed like a natural extension of our existing relationship. We knew it was the right thing to do.”

Once again the Chester County Food Bank has found a way of serving the nutritional needs of our county, particularly for those less able to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Fresh2you brings fresh produce and other basic food items direct to the neighborhoods not currently served by supermarkets. Local farmers also benefit by being able to supply their seasonal produce locally through the Mobile Market. Win-win situation for all.

Here’s the weekly schedule for the Fresh2You team.