The Mobile Market will be saying goodbye to the community of Chatham-Kent after a year and a half.
While the weekly markets have stopped running, the Mobile Market team is working closely with community partners to ensure fresh, local produce is available to as many community members as possible, especially during the holiday season.
“It has been an amazing 18 months,” said Phillip Mock, Project Coordinator of the Prosperity Roundtable, in a press release.
“We have met some amazing community members across Chatham-Kent and worked with many dedicated and passionate partners and volunteers to operate the Mobile Market. We never thought our little Market would grow and expand in the way it did. All I can say is thank you.”
The Mobile Market was initially created as a response to the lockdowns associated with COVID-19 to connect the community to local, fresh produce and support local farmers through a weekly affordable produce market.
The Mobile Market delivered 15,635 boxes (approximately 156,000 pounds) of produce to 15 communities across Chatham Kent over the past 18 months.
“We realized quickly that no matter where you were in the community or who you are, people were feeling isolated, and it was difficult to feel comfortable and access fresh and healthy produce,” said Heather Tulloch, Community Food Connector for the Mobile Market, in a media release.
“This is why we expanded so quickly and ran longer than we ever expected.”
As COVID restrictions lift, the Mobile Market has decided to end the project with a bang, organizers say.
Over the coming two months, the Mobile Market team will be supporting local associations, clubs, foodbanks, social services, and school groups to ensure remaining donations are used in the spirit of the Mobile Market.
The team is dedicated to ensuring all produce remains affordable, and as many communities as possible can access fresh produce over the coming months.
With plans still being finalized, you can stay up to date on upcoming food events by following the Mobile Market on Facebook and Instagram, or by visiting their website www.mobilemarketck.com.
