Food Deserts are areas where a supermarket is more than 1/4 mile away, poverty is high, access to a vehicle is rare and the average Healthy Food Availability Index score is very low. The area surrounding Clifton Park in northeast Baltimore is one such area and the Real Food Farm was created to provide more fresh and healthy food for the community. Located in the heart of Clifton Park, the farm has a wide range of production capabilities, including an orchard, hoop houses, composting, bee keeping, field crops, herbs and more.
To help the farm reach the community, students from the Center for Design Practice (CDP) at the Maryland Institute College of Art led by director Mike Weikert, came up with a comprehensive design strategy. Their work was funded by an Ideas That Matter grant from Sappi Fine Paper North America, which allowed them, among many things, to build the Mobile Market truck. The truck is a converted Washington Post newspaper deliver truck that has pull out shelving and awnings to set up a produce stand at any location.
Throughout the summer, the truck makes scheduled stops at specified areas around the area, regular farmer’s market visits and will even deliver to private houses. The Mobile Market also regularly stops at schools and can be used to help with children’s education and activities.
Via Fast Co Exist
Images ©Jennifer Dowdell and Real Food Farm
