The Cambridge Food Bank’s newest project, the Mobile Food Market, celebrated its official launch at Forward Church on Franklin Boulevard on Tuesday.
The market, which has been operating since July as the only one of its kind in Waterloo Region, is a traveling community market that visits high-density neighbourhoods
For $5, the market gives shoppers a chance to pick up a about $30 worth of fruit, vegetables, and some non-perishable staples like tuna.
The year-round market also offers items like honey when in season.
Sarah Tooze, donor development manager with the food bank, says the market is open to everyone and will grow as they develop more partnerships with local producers.
There are no income requirements to pick up food but anyone who is able to pay more than $5 is encouraged to do so to help out families living on a low income.
Tooze says the idea was born out of COVID and the need to bring food to more people the food bank serves, helping to reduce traffic at the Ainslie Street location and reducing barriers to those who can't always access transportation or public transit.
"It is our goal to get nutritious food into the hands of people who are least likely to afford it while using a low-barrier model that supports choice and dignity," says a press release.
"Offering the market in partnership with neighbourhood groups helps deepen connections shoppers have to networks in their community, removes transportation barriers, and builds social capital."
The Mobile Market runs Tuesday to Thursday at the following locations and will be open year round from the food bank's heated van:
Tuesday – Forward Church 10:30 a.m.-noon
Wednesday – Ayr Knox Church 10 a.m. -11 a.m.
Wednesday – Preston Heights 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Thursday – Langs 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday – Temple Baptist Church 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
