Mobile farmers market a hit in Grand Rapids

The YMCA Veggie Van delivers fresh vegetable goodness to "food desert" neighborhoods throughout Grand Rapids. The initiative, entering its second year, is funded through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and has been operational since August 2011.

The van, a refrigerated box truck, is currently on the road for three full days a week.  Because of its popularity, it has increased its stops from four to 10 different locations in the greater Grand Rapids area. It also has increased the staff to two YMCA employees that are now employed specifically for the healthy living initiative.

According to Nicole Hansen, healthy living operations director, the Veggie Van team all have agricultural backgrounds and provide information, recipes and education along with the fresh vegetables at an affordable price. "The produce is from local farmers when in season," Hansen says. "When their products are dormant, we partner with Plumb's Valu-Rite Foods to purchase the imported products at a wholesale cost."

The locations the van delivers to are established based on the four existing healthy living hubs throughout the city, but Hansen adds that they are interested in expanding their distribution sites. 

To learn more about the YMCA Veggie Van, you can visit the site here.

Source:  Nicole Hansen, YMCA
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor.