MFB 3.0 on Wheels: Meeting Neighbors in the Middle
Food pantries at faith-based organizations, schools, and other community locations give our neighbors many opportunities to access nutritious food. MFB Pantry on the Go events bring produce even deeper into our neighborhoods, increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Now, our Mobile Markets are doing even more to alleviate the barriers that Marylanders face.
Dubbed MFB 3.0 on Wheels, MFB’s Mobile Markets touch on all three aspects of our strategic plan. They are our response to the lack of resources in historically under-resourced areas where residents have limited access to grocery stores and affordable and nutritious food.
Data from our Maryland Hunger Map shows that some underserved rural communities can be as many as 30 miles from the nearest grocery store. And in some instances, these very communities go without running water or electricity.
“I just paid all my bills this morning leaving me just $20. I was heading to get gas in the car and a gallon of milk. I saw your sign and thank goodness you were here so I would have something to eat this month.”
Our Mobile Markets also allow us to learn and respond to the wide-ranging needs of community residents more holistically, bringing not only fresh produce and other nutritious foods deeper into local communities, but also critical wraparound services through partnerships with local health, education, and social service agencies.
And their potential to create meaningful impact was recognized by Starbucks which chose to support an equitable food access initiative like the Mobile Market Program.
“Starbucks believes it is our role and responsibility to help support thriving, resilient and sustainable communities, and equitable food access grants are a unique opportunity to increase access to nutritious food for people that need it most. In partnership with Feeding America, we are tackling hunger with a focus on equity. The equitable food access grants are a unique opportunity to increase access to nutritious food for people that need it most.”
In 2023, we added a third vehicle, and our RPDs are deploying it into even more underserved communities across the state. Follow us on social media for the latest Mobile Market updates!
​MFB’s Two Mobile Markets are making an impact, with:
22,273
miles logged across 17 counties
750k
meals distributed
62
wraparound service partnerships
$594
saved on groceries by avg. neighbor*
For more information about our Mobile Market Program, call (410) 737-8282 or email us.
*Data represents Feb. 2020 – Jan. 2023 distribution events.
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