Little Rock residents who lack access to a traditional grocery store now have a new option.
Officials unveiled the city’s new mobile market in an event Thursday at the Stephens Community Center. The 44-foot trailer will begin making stops in Little Rock neighborhoods early next week.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said it’s the city’s first major step toward addressing the problem of food deserts in the capital city.
“While there may be grocery stores on some corners, there’s some neighborhoods that do not have access to fresh, quality produce,” Scott said. “We all know that we have to not only address the food deserts, but we have to eliminate them within our communities to ensure that our neighbors, our residents, understand that we are always thinking about them and figuring out innovative ways to do that.
The market is a partnership between the city, UA Little Rock, the University District Development Corporation and several other groups, businesses and churches. Martie North Hamilton with the University District Development Corporation says it’s the result of government and organizations coming together to meet the needs of the community.
“Investing in neighborhoods is about more than buildings or infrastructure; it’s about people, it’s about access, dignity and opportunity. When we invest in community well-being, we strengthen families, improve health outcomes and create neighborhoods where people can thrive,” North Hamilton said. “Access to fresh, affordable food is a foundational part of that vision, and for too many communities that access has not been easy or equitable.”
The project was borne out of local and statewide efforts to address food insecurity in Arkansas, including a food desert task force begun by then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson in 2022 and a similar, citywide task force which started the following year.
Funding for the project came from $850,000 dedicated by the City Board of Directors. Ward 3 City Director Kathy Webb says it’ll be a priority to identify potential new funding sources for the market to continue operating.
“But I am confident that our city will respond. I am confident with Rep. [Tippi] McCullough, soon-to-be Sen. [Denise] Garner, Rep. [Denise] Ennett and others. We will get funding at the state level, and we can truly take quality food to communities all across the state at a fair price to address food insecurity and health insecurity needs.”
The market makes its first stop at 10:30 Tuesday morning at the Buffington Towers apartments in downtown Little Rock, followed by a visit to the Madison Heights apartment on 12th Street on Thursday.
