Fresh Food, Real Impact: The Volusia Mobile Market Launch
On April 28, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida, something powerful rolled into motion. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, officially launched the Volusia Mobile Farmers Market! A refrigerated, fully outfitted market-on-wheels built by The Farmers’ Truck.
This launch represents far more than just a ribbon cutting - it marks a bold, community-driven move toward better health outcomes through equitable food access.
A New Model for Healthy Living: Food Is Medicine
The Volusia Mobile Farmers Market is part of Second Harvest’s expanding “Food is Medicine” strategy. This bridges the gap between clinical care and fresh food access. The program, funded by Publix and supported by the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, offers a 16-week pilot that allows individuals with hypertension to receive “food prescriptions” from their doctors.
Once referred, patients can shop for $36 worth of fresh produce each week at one of three Department of Health locations in Daytona Beach. Furthermore, the market allows participants to hand-pick fruits and vegetables and also provides guidance on how to prepare meals in ways that are healthy and delicious.
“This Mobile Farmers Market is an exciting step forward in our ‘Food is Medicine’ efforts,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest. “By bringing fresh, nutritious produce directly to Volusia County neighbors, we’re helping individuals take control of their health through the power of food. It’s not just about access – it’s about empowering families to embrace habits that can impact long term health outcomes.”
Designed for Dignity, Powered by Purpose
The truck itself was custom-built by The Farmers’ Truck to serve as a fully mobile produce market. Refrigerated, branded, and community-facing. Designed for convenience and dignity, it supports walk-up service, ADA access, and market-style browsing.
As healthcare professionals track the health impacts of the program, the market serves not only as a distribution point, but as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and equity.
“FDOH providers write a prescription for patients to visit the Second Harvest Food Truck,” said Stephen Civitelli, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County. “The intent is to incorporate healthy foods to reduce the incidence of chronic disease.”
Fueling Long-Term Change Together
The Volusia Mobile Farmers Market is a powerful example of what’s possible when vision meets infrastructure. And, when food access is treated not as a handout, but as a right.
At The Farmers’ Truck, we believe that fresh food should be accessible, dignified, and community-centered. And it’s thanks to forward-thinking partners like Second Harvest in Volusia County that our mission continues to roll forward.
Together, we’re proving that mobile markets aren’t just a delivery method — they’re a movement. One that brings food, health, and hope directly to the communities that need it most.
Learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida:www.feedhopenow.org
Learn more about The Farmers’ Truck:www.farmerstruck.com