Mobile market proves to be a popular stop for fresh food

Students and others were lined up to take advantage of the convenience of buying fresh and healthy food from the Fresh Picks Mobile Market, which made a stop on campus Thursday, Nov. 9.

The Mobile Market is a partnership among Pick ‘n Save, Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee County. It sells fresh foods, such as Wisconsin-grown fruits and vegetables, milk, butter, yogurt, ground beef, pork sausage, ham and chicken. Fresh produce is 25 percent off the normal retail price.

Two people look at potatoes.
UWM seniors Natalie Krug and Aiden Ward make their choices for fresh produce. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)

UWM’s Student Association invited the Mobile Market to campus as part of an effort to fight student hunger. A 2016 survey by UWM’s Student Association found that almost half of student respondents had not had enough food for themselves at some time while attending UWM.

“Not all students have access to fresh food, so we’re bringing fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat to them,” said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of Hunger Task Force. “We’re debunking the myth of the starving college student who has to survive on ramen noodles.”

Earlier this year, the Student Association launched a food pantry for students in need. As part of UWM’s Panther Assist initiative, students can get nutritious, nonperishable food from the dean of students office in Mellencamp Hall 118, which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“The Mobile Market is another way to provide dignity and consumer choice,” Tussler said. “Earlier today, a young man stopped by and was so excited because he was able to pick the kind of salad greens that he wanted.”

The Mobile Market will return to campus on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The market doesn’t sell canned and processed items, snacks, cigarettes, alcohol or paper and household products. Customers may use QUEST (FoodShare), credit or debit cards only. Cash is not accepted.

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