The 'Baltimarket' Brings Fresh Fruits and Vegetables to Food Deserts
Katherine Pendrill — March 17, 2016 — Social Good
References: baltimarket.org & fastcoexist
'Baltimarket' is a new initiative that aims to combat the issue of food deserts in Baltimore, Maryland. With nearly one in four city residents living in areas that do not have access to fresh fruits or vegetables, this initiative aims to provide a creative solution to the problem.
Baltimarket is a virtual supermarket that allows consumers to order groceries online. The platform is set up at computers stations at apartment blocks, senior homes, and libraries in areas that lack immediate access to fresh produce. The groceries ordered are delivered by ShopeRite and can include everything from fresh food to toiletries and even prescription medicines. Currently there are 600 people using the service to access the kinds of foods that are not available in their own neighborhood.
The virtual supermarket initiative ultimately offers a creative way to deal with the issue of food deserts and the need to promote better nutrition in low-income neighborhoods.
Baltimarket is a virtual supermarket that allows consumers to order groceries online. The platform is set up at computers stations at apartment blocks, senior homes, and libraries in areas that lack immediate access to fresh produce. The groceries ordered are delivered by ShopeRite and can include everything from fresh food to toiletries and even prescription medicines. Currently there are 600 people using the service to access the kinds of foods that are not available in their own neighborhood.
The virtual supermarket initiative ultimately offers a creative way to deal with the issue of food deserts and the need to promote better nutrition in low-income neighborhoods.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Supermarkets - Opportunity for online grocery platforms to target underserved areas and provide access to fresh produce and essential goods.
2. Food Desert Solutions - Emerging strategies and initiatives to address the lack of access to nutritious food in low-income neighborhoods.
3. Improving Nutrition in Underserved Communities - Increasing focus on promoting better nutrition and healthy eating habits in areas with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Industry Implications
1. E-commerce - Potential for online grocery retailers to expand their operations and reach new markets with virtual supermarkets.
2. Food Delivery Services - Opportunity for food delivery platforms to partner with local communities and organizations to provide essential groceries to underserved areas.
3. Healthcare - Potential collaboration between healthcare providers and virtual supermarkets to ensure accessibility of prescription medicines and health-related products in underserved neighborhoods.
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