In a city with no brick-and-mortar supermarket, Atlantic City residents can now get their shopping done locally thanks to a mobile grocery store coming to town every Friday. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has teamed up with Virtua Health to bring the mobile “Eat Well Food-Access” program to Atlantic City.
Delores Butler-Whaley was among those on hand Friday and listed the fruit and vegetables now available within walking distance of her home
“I bought bananas, I bought oranges, and I bought grapes,” she said. “This is my second time here today. . . I bought bread earlier, but I needed more.”
Many of the products are what you’ll find at traditional stores, but at prices that are 30% to 50% less than in the supermarket. The access and affordability are among the main reasons that April Schetler, assistant vice president of community health engagement for Virtua Health, said the mobile grocery store is so important.
“Atlantic City is one of those cities where from the surface it might look casinos and wonderful restaurants and shows,” says Schetler. “But, when you really look start to drive around and look, there’s so many wonderful communities here, vibrant communities, but they’re really struggling to have those basic needs met. Transportation is a huge barrier, as well as access to full-service grocery store here in the city that’s affordable.”
Atlantic City remains without a supermarket after plans for a ShopRite fell through earlier this year. The mobile grocery store will continue coming to Atlantic City for the next several months, Virtua said, and it may become available on Saturdays as well.
