With South Jersey families facing food insecurity during the interruption of SNAP benefits, Virtua Health is offering help.
The nonprofit health system has announced a series of Eat Well Pop-Up grocery events to provide affordable food through its newly deployed Mobile Food Farmacy, a 40-foot, custom-designed vehicle that serves as a second Mobile Grocery Store.
The Mobile Food Farmacy will sell groceries at discounted prices on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Shoppers can look for the large blue van marked “Eat Well” at several locations in Camden and Burlington counties through Thursday.
The Mobile Food Farmacy will visit Virtua Mount Holly Hospital on Wednesday at 175 Madison Ave. from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by Virtua Willingboro Hospital, 218A Sunset Road, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Thursday’s pop-ups will take place at the Virtua Health and Wellness Center in Berlin, 100 Townsend Avenue, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The vehicle will then move to Virtua Marlton Hospital, 90 Brick Road, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and finish the day at Virtua Voorhees Hospital, 100 Bowman Drive, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
More pop-up markets may be scheduled the following week. For updates, visit virtua.org/news.
Virtua’s Eat Well initiative, recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a Healthy People 2030 Champion, provides food access and nutrition education to thousands of South Jersey residents each year. The program’s Mobile Grocery Store and Mobile Farmer’s Market will also continue operations during expanded outreach.
“Access to nutritious food is essential to good health,” Virtua noted. “Our Eat Well programs help families eat healthy, stay strong and feel supported during difficult times.”
The Mobile Grocery Store carries a full selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and other pantry essentials at prices below market value. The effort is the result of partnerships and donor support.
To support the Eat Well initiative or other Virtua community programs, visit GiveToVirtua.org.
