Columbia Launches Mobile Markets to Combat Food Insecurity in Underserved Neighborhoods

Columbia Takes Big Steps to Tackle Food Insecurity with Mobile Markets

In a heartwarming move to fight food insecurity, the bustling city of Columbia, S.C. is extending its efforts to bring fresh produce straight to communities that need it the most! That’s right, folks! Thanks to a recent decision made by the City Council, Columbia is taking strides to eliminate food deserts by rolling out mobile markets in neighborhoods that lack nearby grocery stores.

The Initiative’s Strong Foundation

Just this past Tuesday evening, the City Council agreed to a substantial contract worth $143,000 with Tom’s Creek Family Farms. This is part of the city’s existing Food Insecurity Solutions Program that started back in March and aims to bring food closer to residents who find it challenging to access grocery stores. Denise Wellman, who is the president of the Cottontown Neighborhood Association, emphasized how vital this initiative is: “The neighbors of all neighborhoods close by are concerned that we don’t have one close by. So it is a bit of a food desert,” she notes.

It’s true—many folks in neighborhoods like North Main struggle with access to fresh food, as stores are often more than half a mile away. A 2020 report from Columbia’s Food Equity Subcommittee shed light on these low-income areas, pointing out that lack of transportation added to the challenge of getting healthy groceries. So, the mobile markets aim to bridge that gap, with residents getting the chance to purchase delicious produce from local businesses, such as Tom’s Creek Farm itself!

Bringing Fresh Food to the Neighborhoods

According to Ayesha Driggers, the director of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities, bringing the market to the community is a game-changer. “One of the big issues with food insecurities is lack of transportation. So it was important to the city to bring those markets to the community where our citizens exist,” she explains.

And it looks like the program is making quite the impact—operating at three locations so far, the mobile markets have served approximately 25 customers daily, raking in an impressive average of $620 in daily sales! A fourth stop at the COMET Central bus station on Sumter Street was recently added and will officially be part of the program under the new contract, thanks to a combination of private donations and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Steps Towards a Brighter Future

While residents appreciate the fresh produce brought to their doorsteps, city officials remind us that this isn’t the sole cure for food deserts in Columbia. Driggers further points out, “I think we recognize that it takes a multi-prong approach. There’s not a one-size-fits-all.” In addition to mobile markets, the city has launched a grocery assistance program in partnership with Instacart, where delivery services for groceries are made free for those in need.

People like Wellman definitely see the upside in this initiative but still hold out hope for a permanent grocery store in the neighborhood. She mentions the hardships faced during the busy holiday season, stating, “To go far away, especially if the grocery store doesn’t have adequate parking, lots of congestion that makes it really difficult to get in and out quickly for those things that you do need.”

What Lies Ahead

Looking ahead, the new contract with Tom’s Creek Farm kicks off in January and will last until 2026. While the mobile markets will take a break for the holidays, residents can be excited to know they’ll be back in operation next month with a regular schedule.

This positive step in Columbia holds the promise of increased access to fresh food, bringing joy and peace of mind to residents long making the trek to distant grocery stores. Let’s hope this initiative continues to grow and thrive, paving the way for a healthier future for all of Columbia!