A traveling farmers market has begun popping up around the City of Flint.
It's a retrofitted 14 passenger bus that's been equipped to carry fresh produce and other healthy foods to Flint neighborhoods.
The project, called Flint Fresh Mobile Market, is the joint effort of several local non-profit organizations and one local business, according to Pam Bailey of the YMCA of Greater Flint.
The groups are the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Flint Food Works, The Local Grocer, Neighborhood Engagement Hub, and YMCA of Greater Flint.
"The whole mission of the mobile market is to provide healthy fruits, vegetables and food to people easily - accessible and affordable," said Bailey.
Bailey said grocery store closings in Flint have made it hard for many residents to get fresh foods - especially low-income people and the elderly.
"Healthy food access has always been an issue in Flint. And starting with the lead water crisis, it's really intensified," said Bailey.
Bailey said access to fresh foods are important for helping to reduce obesity and chronic diseases, and to mitigate the effects of lead poisoning.
According to Bailey, Flint Fresh Mobile Market is working with community groups to establish regular routes in the next few weeks.
SNAP recipients will be eligible for the Double Up Food Bucks program at the mobile market, according to Joseph King, board member of Neighborhood Engagement Hub.
