The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) has once again partnered with Ripe for Revival to bring back their mobile grocery store initiative to Wake Forest. Located across the street from the Northern Regional Center at 350 E. Holding Ave., the NCFST Mobile Market will offer fresh, local food on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m., according to a recent announcement.
To sweeten the deal, the Wake Forest Police Department is slated to host an ice cream social in conjunction with Thursday’s Mobile Market. The event, detailed by Wake Forest officials, invites the community to mingle with local law enforcement while enjoying a complimentary cup of ice cream from Blue Bell Ice Cream between the identical hours of the market. The initiative is a nod towards fostering stronger ties between residents and officers.
Further enhancing community services, AmeriHealth Caritas NC's Mobile Wellness Center will be stationed at the site, providing necessary health services, including blood pressure screenings and access to technology. This initiative complements the NCFST's mission by contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community members who come for groceries but may leave with much more.
The market's accessible "pay-what-you-can" model aims to ensure no one goes without necessary produce and staple foods. While some items like proteins, dairy, and eggs have purchase limits, the market imposes no restraint on the amount of produce one can buy. The NCFST emphasizes affordability and access, inviting patrons to pay more as a contribution to the community or to pay less if their budget is stretched thin, as they informed Wake Forest residents in their announcement.
Attendees will find a variety of food products including fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy, all sourced from local and regional farmers. The market's approach embraces the flexibility of both cash and card payments, making it convenient for shoppers to take part regardless of their financial situations.
