Growing Power Launches A Fresh Market On Wheels For South And West Sides
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A retired CTA bus has been given new life as it brings much needed access to quality food into Chicago's food deserts. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole hopped on board.
Making its way around the bend is a produce market on wheels. From its plentiful supply of locally grown greens and other vegetables, to its recipe demonstrations, it's a welcome site in the food deserts it serves.
"There is so much lack of nutrition in the neighborhood because they just don't have access to fresh fruits and vegetables," said Napolian Harding from the South Side.
It is a converted CTA bus, making its debut on the road Wednesday, as the second market on wheels for the non-profit growing power.
"There are people in the city who don't really get how inaccessible food is in some parts," said Fresh Roberson from Growing Power.
"All the greens are coming from our operations here in Chicago," said Erika Allen, Growing Power.
On seven small urban farms inside the city, Growing Power plants and harvests the fresh foods it sells to people who need it most.
"We are real urban farmers trying to create a food system that doesn't exist yet," Allen said.
Growing Power's mission caught the attention of Chicago newcomer, the upscale salad chain Sweet Greens, which helped finance the purchase of the bus, and whose employees worked on the farm for a few days.
"There isn't one silver bullet that will change the food system it's a combination of everyone's efforts," said Nicolas Jammet, Sweet Greens.
And the people on the bus can tell you, bringing healthy food to neglected neighborhoods can nourish the body and the soul.
Growing Power calls its mobile markets, Fresh Moves.
Operating since last year, they currently make 28 stops in ten of the city's food deserts on the south and west sides. This latest addition to its fleet will increase the number of stops and how long they can remain in each neighborhood.
