Metro Lex News

The Mobile Market, a grocery initiative aimed at improving access to fresh food in Lexington neighborhoods, has marked its first year of operation. Since its launch in June 2023, the market has facilitated over $100,000 in sales through 7,200 transactions. Mayor Linda Gorton emphasized the impact: “It has answered a real need. It is serving a lot of people.”

Operating as a mobile grocery store, the market visits three locations daily from Tuesday to Saturday, covering 22 different sites across Lexington. The initiative provides fresh produce and essential groceries to areas with limited access to nutritious food.

Mayor Gorton noted that the Mobile Market plays a crucial role in enhancing nutrition and addressing health issues such as childhood obesity by making healthy food more accessible.

The project emerged from recommendations in the 2020 Racial Justice and Equality Report. Tiffany Brown, the City’s Equity and Implementation Officer, highlighted its significance: “The Lexington Mobile Market has been a powerful initiative to address health disparities...while fostering community building and social connections.”

The Mobile Market is supported by partnerships with The Kroger Co., which supplies it with goods, and God’s Pantry Food Bank, which manages operations. John Rupp from God’s Pantry expressed gratitude for community support: “We look forward to continuing to serve more and more Lexingtonians.”

Rupp also mentioned that they are seeking new locations for future visits. Interested parties can contact him at God’s Pantry Food Bank.

Kroger appreciates contributing to this effort by offering affordable fresh food through the market.

The Mobile Market operates from a 60-foot trailer equipped with various groceries including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and some household items. Transactions are cashless; customers use debit cards, credit cards or SNAP/EBT for purchases.

Details about the Mobile Market's schedule can be found on their website.

In other city news related to public services: there will be no waste collection on Monday due to Veterans Day; job seekers can attend a career fair hosted by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government on Nov. 12; residents are reminded to remove political yard signs post-Election Day.