Hunger Task Force Receives $100,000 for Mobile Grocery Store

Hunger Task Force has received a $100,000 federal Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant from the USDA to support the Fresh Picks Mobile Market.

The Fresh Picks Mobile Market is an innovative grocery store on wheels, operated in partnership with Pick ‘N Save and Milwaukee County. Hunger Task Force converted a former NASCAR trailer into a mobile store that travels to underserved neighborhoods, food deserts and senior centers in Milwaukee County. The Mobile Market is not a pantry or donation center.

The Mobile Market is stocked with only healthy foods and includes 40+ varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, and 10+ high-grade meat and dairy items. The Mobile Market is operated by Hunger Task Force, and Pick ‘N Save manages all retail operations. The Mobile Market accepts FoodShare Quest cards, debit and credit cards (no cash). FINI grant funding will be used to provide a 25% incentive discount on healthy foods offered at the Mobile Market.

“The Fresh Picks Mobile Market is an innovative model for increasing access to healthy foods in underserved neighborhoods and food deserts,” says Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force Executive Director. “We are truly excited to announce this public/private partnership that delivers healthy, affordable foods to seniors in neighborhoods of great need.”

Hunger Task Force was one of 12 organizations in the country to receive a FINI pilot grant, which focus on new, innovative projects to increase access to healthy foods to low-income populations and food deserts.

To learn more about the Fresh Picks Mobile Market and schedule of stops, visit www.hungertaskforce.org.