Virtua Health has rolled out a new mobile grocery store to help reduce food insecurity and improve access to fresh, healthy food. The vehicle is part of a new $1.5 million, state-funded investment in Virtua’s “Eat Well” food access programs. The initiative will also include the health system’s first mobile “food farmacy,” scheduled to launch this summer.

These developments represent a significant expansion of Virtua’s Eat Well programs, which also include a mobile farmers market and two brick-and-mortar food farmacies.

The new Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store replaces the original vehicle – a refurbished NJ Transit bus – which launched in 2021. The new, custom-designed truck offers more space for customers and staff, among other improvements.

“Our original mobile grocery store gave this program a fantastic start over the past four years,” said Virtua President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE.  “Now, our new and improved vehicle will provide even greater comfort, service, and convenience for our customers and staff.”

“It’s wonderful,” said longtime customer Emma Ryan-Furlonge of Delanco, after shopping on the new vehicle for the first time. “I like the spacious part. I like the compartments—they have it like a supermarket. It’s great, it’s convenient. I can count on having fresh food every week.”

Indeed, the 40-foot van was designed specifically for its purpose, based on input from Virtua’s team and customers. For example, it has a much wider aisle (nearly doubled at 5 feet across) and more storage space for extra inventory. It also contains a semi-private, slide-out space for individual health screenings and consultations.

Prices on the mobile grocery store average 40% to 50% below local retail prices. All are welcome to shop and the program accepts SNAP benefits (government food assistance).

State Senator Troy Singleton was instrumental in the growth of these vital programs, noted Pullin.

“We are grateful to Senator Singleton, who’s been a steadfast advocate for local food access,” said the CEO. “His tireless efforts resulted in essential new funding from the State of New Jersey, which enabled this expansion of Virtua’s Eat Well programs to even more area residents.

“Good food is essential to good health. But many South Jerseyans have difficulty obtaining healthy items, whether it’s due to cost, lack of transportation, or other barriers,” Pullin explained. “Our new Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store will continue Virtua’s tradition of building healthy communities while reaching more people, enhancing shoppers’ experience, and ideally improving quality of life for many of our neighbors.”

“Programs like Virtua’s mobile grocery store are a lifeline for families facing food insecurity—and the numbers speak for themselves,” said Senator Singleton. “With more than 7,500 transactions last year, this initiative is not only working, it’s transforming lives. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in funding for two new vehicles, which will bring accessible, affordable, healthy food options directly to our communities.”

The Mobile Grocery Store already has a strong record of success. For example, 94% of customers report increased fruit and vegetable consumption and 88% report they prepare more nutritious meals because of the mobile grocery store. It total, Virtua’s Eat Well programs completed more than 47,000 transactions last year – an 8.6% increase over 2023.

The need for such programs is clear: An estimated 15% of Camden County residents and 12% of Burlington County residents do not know where their next meal will come from, according to Feeding America.

Funding of $1.5 million from the State of New Jersey went toward the purchase of the two new vehicles (at $500,000 each) and upcoming renovations to Eat Well’s distribution center, as well as food inventory and staff support. Since 2017, Virtua’s philanthropic partners have invested $10 million in the Eat Well food-access programs, helping ensure a reliable, consistent operation that meets the needs of its community.

The programs also take care to stock culturally relevant food, recognizing the tastes and preferences of each community they visit. “We want everyone to have an outstanding experience with us, so it’s essential that our customers feel seen, respected, and understood,” said Debra Moran, MS, senior vice president of health equity and community programs for Virtua.

Original Article