Virtua Health is bringing its affordable healthy food program to Atlantic City starting Friday.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is sponsoring the interim expansion to Atlantic City as part of the governor's plan to increase food access in under-resourced communities.
The 40-foot mobile store that offers fresh produce, meats and dairy products has operated in Burlington and Camden counties for several years.
Virtua’s program accepts EBT SNAP benefits, as well as cash and credit cards. Staff members also will answer customers’ questions about food preparation and nutrition.
“At Virtua Health, we view food as fundamental to health and wellness," Virtua President and CEO Dennis Pullin said. "Our Eat Well programs help ensure that South Jersey residents not only have access to fresh, affordable foods, but that they also receive guidance and support for embracing good nutrition as a lifestyle.
"We are honored to collaborate with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority on this important endeavor in Atlantic City,” he added.
The team will visit Atlantic City on Fridays and, eventually, Saturdays as well.
They will be at Atlantic Marina at 732 N. Maryland Ave. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. From 12:30 to 2 p.m. they will be at Brigantine Homes, 1062 Brigantine Blvd.
Those communities are managed by The Michaels Organization, which is also collaborating with Virtua on a first-in-the-region housing-and-health-care community in Camden/
The Eat Well initiative began in 2017 with the launch of the Eat Well Mobile Farmers Market, and also includes two Food Farmacies located within Virtua medical campuses. All Eat Well programs operate year-round.
“Hunger is just as prevalent in the winter as it is during the warmer months or ‘growing season,’” said April Schetler, assistant vice president of community health engagement for Virtua. “Our mobile programs visit the same locations every week so that our customers know they can depend on us.
“The services we provide have a major impact on people’s lives in Burlington and Camden counties. It is a responsibility we take to heart,” she added. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be a resource for Atlantic City families through the holiday season and well into the new year.”
For more information about Virtua Health’s Eat Well programs, visit Virtua.org/EatWell. To support Virtua’s programs to feed South Jersey, visit GiveToVirtua.org.
