Akron’s Innovative Mobile Grocery Store: Tackling Food Insecurity Head-On!

AKRON, Ohio — Imagine a grocery store on wheels. That’s exactly what the Summit Fresh Mobile Market is all about. It’s a bus filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and other essentials.

The idea for this mobile market came to life in early 2024, thanks to Casey Shevlin, the City of Akron’s Director of Sustainability and Resiliency. “We thought it was pretty brilliant,” Shevlin said about the concept.

This market is just starting out, making stops at places like the Joy Park Community Center. The goal? To bring groceries to neighborhoods that need them most. In Akron, like many cities, some areas lack nearby grocery stores. This mobile market aims to fill that gap.

Akron City Council recently pointed out five areas known as “food deserts” that especially need the service: 44302, 44305, 44306, 44307, and 44314. While the market serves all Akron residents, it focuses on these areas.

People can pay with cash, credit, debit, or government assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. At a recent City Council meeting, members approved $175,000 in funding for the mobile market. This money will help cover the costs of getting a bus and other startup expenses.

The project is supported by a grant from the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America and the United States Conference of Mayors. Shevlin mentioned that they will finalize more details soon, including when the funding will arrive.

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