Gone are the days when you could Supermarket Sweep through the grocery aisles and not be forced to part with half your paycheck. For many, though, soaring grocery prices are compounded by a lack of access to affordable, healthy options locally.
But one bright pink, solar-powered trailer is hitting the streets to change that.
Prosperity Market, a mobile grocery store that brings Black-owned food businesses to underserved neighborhoods, just launched in Los Angeles.
The 48-foot-long market on wheels is the culmination of a multi-year effort, and its founders aim to create an entire fleet, per Los Angeles Times.
Not your average farmers market
Before launching Prosperity Market, founders Carmen Dianne and Kara Still worked in the makeup and fashion industry. But when the pandemic hit, the pair felt compelled to pivot to a project that would nourish their community.
- Despite a lack of experience in the food industry, they wanted to support Black-owned businesses — which suffered a 41% drop amid the pandemic.
- They envisioned a mobile trailer that's part farmers market, part food truck to feature Black farmers, chefs, and food producers.
- Following a 5-year journey of monthly pop-up markets, $100K+ in crowdfunding, and additional donations, Prosperity Market is finally ready to roll.
- The electric-run and solar-powered trailer features produce, a fridge for perishables, shelves of local Black-owned food brands, and a small kitchen.
- For those with limited means, Prosperity Bucks are sponsored dollars that can be used to shop.
The team envisions a fleet of trucks expanding throughout California, and beyond — an effort aided by a donation from Dr. Dre.
Prosperity Market also offers nationwide shipping.
Helping hands across America
Prosperity Market is part of a growing trend of mobile markets that are popping up across the country, including Vegas, D.C., Austin, and Indianapolis.
Reports show mobile markets increase access to affordable high-quality foods and help counter food insecurity.
A USDA study found that many successful mobile markets share key traits:
- Partnerships with community organizations with similar goals.
- Programs such as nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and vouchers.
- Responding to specific needs of the community.
- Recruiting local champions to build support.
Now, if only we could see a return of those 1960s-era Supermarket Sweep prices.
