COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The City of Columbia announced Thursday the launch of the Toms Creek Family Farms mobile food market in an effort to combat challenges to food access in Richland County.
Toms Creek Family Farms, LLC is a small business in Hopkins, SC that has been involved with the Soda City Farmers Market and the Sumter Farmers Market for three years.
Using American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated by the City Council, Toms Creek Family Farms said they intend to modify a trailer into a mobile market outfitted with fresh produce, proteins, dairy and fresh-baked goods. They said they aim to drive the trailer to provide for underserved communities like the 29203 and 29204 areas.
A 2019 report from the Food Equity Subcommittee for the Columbia Food Policy Committee identified several barriers in terms of food access in the Midlands including poor food quality at grocery stores in underserved areas, healthy food accessibility, healthy food affordability and lack of transportation options for residents to shop for food.
“The mobile market is an exciting step to expand access to healthy and nutritious foods across Columbia,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “City Council and I believe it is time to try new things to ensure we finally increase food security across our neighborhoods.”
The mobile food market is expected to offer at least 85% locally grown produce from Toms Creek Family Farms and other local farmers when available, city officials said.
“This market will offer an opportunity to collaborate with local farmers, markets and organizations to create sustainable and affordable food solutions,” said District 2 Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr. “This market will also serve as a platform for nutritional education and continue our efforts to promote healthier eating habits.”
City officials added the market is expected to accept various payment methods including cash, credit cards, SNAP benefits and DSS Senior Vouchers. Toms Creek Family Farms also is a member of the “Healthy Bucks” program allowing SNAP recipients to obtain extra fresh fruits and vegetables when using their benefits at their markets.
“It is so rewarding to know that this initiative is now ready to roll out to the community for our neighbors to utilize,” said Shana Catoe, Chair of the Columbia Food Policy Committee.
City officials released three locations the mobile market is expected to visit:
- Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue (29203)
- Greenview Park, 6700 David Street (29203)
- Edgewood Library, 2101 Oak Street (29204)
A press conference providing more details about the market is set to be held at Hyatt Park on Thursday, Feb. 22.
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