The Farmers' Truck - Driving Industry Change
The Farmers’ Truck is no stranger to innovation. From launching the first mobile farmers’ market in Moncton, New Brunswick in 2015, to creating multiple truck designs, and even launching an online store with FREE home deliveries. All with our mission in mind to increase access to fresh, healthy food in underserved communities.
The Farmers' Truck serving customers at their mobile market in Moncton, New Brunswick
In 2020, like others, we were presented with some challenges.
Late in 2018, we pivoted to a business model that empowers organizations to start their own mobile market program. What happened in 2020 led to one of our biggest years for growth yet and we are proud to share our accomplishments.
First, Mobile Market Operators need the right tools and support for their program.
We partnered with the Veggie Van team at the University of Buffalo in New York to develop a Mobile Market Training. This takes into consideration the challenges many market operators face.
Next, we reached out to the Lab of Applied Multiphase Thermal Engineering at Dalhousie University. They helped create a revolutionary cooling system that is energy efficient, and better for the environment than the industry standard. Working with NBIF and NBCC, we were able to create a prototype and get ready for commercialization.
We succeeded.
We now have an eco-friendly cooling system that doesn’t require a generator or an external power source. Instead, it uses in-house batteries and large commercial ice-packs, allowing our trucks to store lots of fresh produce. Keeping them fresh all day long while using very little energy and making no emissions.
Our CEO Fred was also a keynote speaker at the Mobile Market Summit. The Farmers’ Truck sponsored the event that was virtual due to Covid-19. The importance of continuing to build a community is essential to supporting our industry. This remains a key priority to The Farmers’ Truck team. The Farners' Truck is also an active member of the mobile market coalition.
Our first mobile market truck that was purchased was shipped during a pandemic!
Our newly established US relationships were made stronger through shipping during this challenging time. It was even more important to have faith in our service partners and remember we were all working towards the same goal. After seeing the successful delivery and handover of our first truck The Farmers’ Truck established our US Corporation, the Farmers' Truck USA.
The Farmers Truck saw growth internally as well. We hired a Production Manager specializing in manufacturing and design. A Senior Grant Writer also joined our team, who is supporting our clients in their funding goals and ensure their operating budget is sustainable. Plans to hire additional specialists continue into 2021.
Co-Founder & CEO, Frederic LaForge, talking with customers around The Farmer's Truck Mobile Market Truck.
All the while, Fred and his team have continued to serve their communities, educating the public and providing support and resources to the Mobile Market community. As the year drew to a close we were notified that we would be bestowed proceeds from a social impact fund. A private family (who wishes to remain anonymous) saw the work we were doing, and wanted to help us move forward with our mission!
Plans for The Farmers’ Truck 2021 California Pilot were formalized.
The Farmers' Truck - Bring fresh, accessible food in your community.
The year 2020 saw tremendous growth for The Farmers’ Truck family. We are excited to continue to create in, and lead the mobile market truck industry into 2021 and beyond with sustainable resources.
Are you a food security champion in your community? Do you want to start your own mobile market, but don't know where to start? Get in touch with us, we can help!