Short answer: It is a good fit when four things line up: real need, partners who already gather people, funding for at least three years, and someone who will own the program. If one is missing, fix that first.
53.6 million people in the U.S. live in low-income areas with low access to a supermarket (USDA ERS Food Access Research Atlas, 2019). A mobile market brings the store to them on a schedule.
The four checks
Need. Map the low access census tracts in your area. Look for places with no grocery store, poor transit and many households without a car.
Partners. List clinics, schools, housing sites, workplaces and pantries that could host a weekly stop. Three to five willing hosts is a good start.
Funding. Plan for at least three years. Sales cover part of the cost. Grants, health partners and sponsors cover the rest.
An owner. One person accountable for the program, plus a driver and market staff.
Signs it may not be the right tool yet
A full grocery store is a short walk or bus ride away for most people.
No host sites will commit to a regular weekly time.
Funding covers the vehicle but not staff and operations.
With the Farmers' Truck Map: Turn on the food access layers to see low access tracts. Open a few stops as Coming Soon and count sign-ups before you commit.
Sources: USDA ERS Food Access Research Atlas
