Donors former NJ Sen. William Gormley and attorney Lee Levine, present a check for $50,000 to the AtlantiCare Foundation. The donation will allow the foundation to expand offerings on the Community Mobile Market truck that brings healthy foods to underserved communities.
AtlantiCare’s new Community Mobile Market Truck got a boost earlier this month with a combined donation of $50,000 from former State Sen. William Gormley and philanthropist Lee Levine.
AtlantiCare President and CEO Michael J. Charlton accepted the donations on behalf of the AtlantiCare Foundation during a special event at AtlantiCare’s Medical Arts Pavilion on Ohio Avenue in Atlantic City.
The Mobile Market Truck debuted earlier this year under sponsorship of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to increase access to fresh, healthy, affordable meals in Atlantic City and help reduce the rate of food insecurity in underserved communities.
It was created in response to the lack of a grocery store in Atlantic City, and aims to ensure residents — especially those on the north end of the island with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables — can enjoy a diet complete with nutritionally rich food at an affordable price.
Food items are priced below average market prices making it an affordable option for residents. The store will accept cash and credit card for payments with plans to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in the future to ensure that everyone can take full advantage of the Mobile Market.
Atlantic City ranks second in the 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs) in New Jersey, which highlights the need for programs aimed at reducing food insecurity.
Gormley's and Levine’s donations will support the procurement of diabetic-friendly foods, development and distribution of diabetic-friendly recipes to go along with market items available, and will underwrite “Produce by Prescription” vouchers. The vouchers will benefit Atlantic City’s at risk individuals who are impacted by diabetes.
The donations will allow the market truck to expand its fresh market offerings at the four locations it visits.
AtlantiCare works with local retailers and farmers to procure the items offered on the truck.
The current hours and locations are:
The community can learn more at www.atlanticare.org/mobilemarket.
