Staunton, Waynesboro mobile farmers market helps communities in need
Staunton/Waynesboro — Project GROWS mobile farmers market brings fresh, local and affordable food to neighborhoods around Staunton and Waynesboro with the goal of lowering barriers to healthy food. The renovated Krispy Kreme food truck (nicknamed The GROW Mobile), has added a fifth location from the previous year and also serves the Boys and Girls Club of Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro.
The mobile market program continues to grow with sales increasing 62% from the same time in 2022, Project GROWS said in a press release. Part of this success is the growing awareness, and community demand, for affordable healthy food. The success is also in part funded by a USDA program which awarded Project GROWS a significant three-year marketing grant to be used towards raising awareness of its food access programs.
Locations for The GROW Mobile were carefully selected to offer communities with the greatest barriers increased access to nutritious foods, the release said. Sites include the fixed income housing facilities of Gypsy Hill House in Staunton and the newly added Fairfax Hall in Waynesboro, both of which have residents with limited transportation access to fresh food.
Said one family living at Farrier Court in Staunton: “We appreciate you guys coming here, it means a lot to us. We don't get to the grocery store very much.”
The affordability of the high quality locally grown organic food is made possible through joint partnerships with other food access programs. Virginia Fresh Match doubles SNAP benefits at all Project GROWS locations, including the Waynesboro Farmers Market. Many customers also take advantage of USDA-supported Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
This program offers $50 per season to eligible seniors to purchase food at farmers markets. Children also receive a $5 “Veggie Buck” coupon upon every visit, which can be used for fruits and veggies. Partnerships with Staunton City Schools and The Boys and Girls Club expand access and purchasing power to youth throughout the community.
Staunton City Eats will visit Farrier Court Thursday to offer kids free meals during the summer.
Likewise, The GROW Mobile will visit the Boys and Girls Club in Waynesboro on Tuesday, July 25, from 4-5:30 p.m. to offer the $5 coupon to kids. Like all Project GROWS mobile market locations, it is open to the public during the scheduled times.
Much of the food is grown at Project GROWS own farm, while other products such as ground beef, cheese, honey and fruits are also on offer from local partner producers, making each mobile market a miniature farmers market on wheels.
“Our goal is not only to provide access to fresh, local and affordable foods, but also to encourage connection and resource sharing within the community," said Megan Marshall, director of food access at Project GROWS. "With this program now in its third year of operation, we are finally starting to see how one little mobile farmers market can create a space for belonging, health and so much joy, and hope to continue to expand partnership and locations next year.”
As more people continue to visit these mobile market locations, additional sites will be considered. The markets run through the end of October with a schedule available at projectgrows.org/mobile-schedule.
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Monique Calello is a health & community news journalist at The News Leader. Story ideas are always welcome. You can reach her at mcalello@newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Food insecurity: Staunton, Waynesboro mobile farmers market
