A project launched in 2021 by the Cambridge Food Bank with the aim of the community helping neighbours, reached a major milestone.
The Mobile Food Market, which brings fresh ingredients across the City of Cambridge and the Township of North Dumfries, is expected to sell its 100,000th produce basket. It is a weekly initiative that aims to make nutritious food more affordable and accessible. It operates in neighbourhoods across the region and offers produce baskets at a set price, with a pay-what-you-can option.
“The Mobile Food Market was created to remove barriers and make fresh food accessible in a way that feels welcoming and dignified,” Dianne McLeod, CEO of The Cambridge Food Bank, said in a press release. “When you shop at the Mobile Food Market, you’re not only accessing affordable, fresh produce for yourself, you’re also helping make that food accessible for others in our community.”
It launched in July 2021, in response to the ongoing demand food banks experienced during the global pandemic. However, McLeod said food insecurity is continuing to grow across the region, with the organization facing rising demand.
“Reaching 100,000 bakests is a significant milestone, but it also reflects the growing need in our community,” she said. “We’re seeing more people than ever before turning to programs like this to help stretch their grocery budgets.”
Around one in nine households in the region are accessing food support currently, data shows. Month to month, approximately 73,000 people, including children, rely on the Community Food Assistance Network as inflation continues to rise.
The Mobile Food Market is open to everyone, and customers who can pay the full price are helping subsidize the costs for those who cannot, which promotes shared access to fresh food. To celebrate the sale of the 100,000th produce basket, the market is giving away a commemorative one.
The limited offer will include a wedge of locally produced cheese from Mountainoak Cheese. It’s a nod to the partners the Cambridge Food Bank has, which focuses on local farmers, helping reinvest in the regional food system, the release explains.
“As the Cambridge Food Bank continues to expand programs like The Mobile Food Market, community support remains critical to ensuring fresh, healthy food is accessible to all,” the organization said.