Mobile food market to launch in Columbia

Listen to this article

Federal funding is allowing the city of Columbia to launch a mobile food market.

The Toms Creek Family Farm Mobile Food Market is the result of an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding from the City Council, according to a news release.

In December 2019, a report from the Food Equity Subcommittee for the Columbia Food Policy Committee identified multiple challenges in terms of food access for residents of Columbia, the release stated. These challenges included the quality of food provided at nearby grocery stores in underserved areas, the accessibility of local grocery stores offering healthy food items, the affordability of healthy foods, and lack of transportation options for residents to go to markets and grocery stores.

In response to these findings, the creation of the mobile market was born, the release stated.

“This mobile market will bring convenience and accessibility of quality food to our communities,” District I Councilwoman Tina Herbert said in the release. “The adaptability of mobile food markets allow them to also participate in events and community gatherings.”

The mobile market will serve areas in Columbia with a priority for the targeted 29203 and 29204 areas. A trailer has been upfitted to accommodate fresh produce, proteins, dairy and fresh baked goods, the release stated.

“The mobile market is an exciting step to expand access to healthy and nutritious foods across Columbia,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann in the release. “City Council and I believe it is time to try new things to ensure we finally increase food security across our neighborhoods. The Toms Creek Family Farms mobile market is a creative solution, and I look forward to witnessing its positive impact.”

The mobile food market will offer at least 85% of South Carolina grown produce from Toms Creek Family Farms and other local farmers, when available, according to the release.

Also, the market will accept a variety of payment methods to include cash, all major credit cards, SNAP benefits, and DSS Senior Voucher Program (when offered), the release stated. Toms Creek Family Farms participates in the “Healthy Bucks” program that allows SNAP recipients to obtain additional fresh fruits and vegetables when they use their SNAP benefits to purchase fresh produce at participating farmer’s markets.

The dates and times will be advertised to the public and shared on social media.

The following locations have been identified for the mobile market.  Those locations are:

• Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave. (29203)
• Greenview Park, 6700 David St. (29203)
• Edgewood Library, 2101 Oak St. (29204)

Additional locations will be added soon. The anticipated start date of the mobile market is early March 2024.