The Phoenix Public Library has teamed up with Activate Food Arizona to launch the Farm Express Mobile Market inside select branches, a move aimed at bolstering local access to healthy food options. The initiative plants the seeds for a convenient shopping experience in the comfort zones of community members who frequent the library for knowledge and recreation. In a statement obtained by phoenix.gov, the Palo Verde Library is slated as the latest addition to this fresh initiative, with the kick-off market session held last Thursday, August 7.
Activate Food Arizona strives to counteract food insecurity, reaching a milestone of aiding over 100,000 individuals in Arizona, as per their claims. The Farm Express has buzzed its way through both urban jungles and rural landscapes, providing easier access to affordable, nourishing produce. On designated days, these indoor markets will allow library patrons to 'check out' not only books but also fresh produce. Their acceptance of various payment methods, including SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks, leads to a scenario where buying healthy groceries won't require spending a bunch of greens.
Scheduled market days inside libraries including Burton Barr & Cesar Chavez on Mondays and Harmon Library on Tuesdays, ensure patrons have multiple opportunities to grab fresh fruits and veggies while they're on a literary food for thought hunt. As stated on the phoenix.gov website, the program's commitment is ironclad to bolstering community health, one library at a time, with the Palo Verde Library joining in on Thursdays between 1:30 and 3:00 PM.
While the collaborative effort predominantly focuses on the distribution of food, Activate Food Arizona also emphasizes empowering individuals towards healthier lifestyles and knitting a stronger community fabric. For more information on the indoor markets, customers can navigate their browsers to the Phoenix Public Library or Activate Food Arizona's websites.
