Second Harvest of the Big Bend Awarded $400,000 to Expand Mobile Food Market in Rural North Florida
Second Harvest of the Big Bend has received a $400,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation to support the expansion of its FARMacy Program, a mobile grocery market designed to improve food access across rural and underserved communities in North Florida.
The multi-year investment will help Second Harvest bring fresh groceries directly to neighborhoods across 15 counties, addressing persistent barriers to healthy food access in areas without nearby grocery stores. The Florida Blue Foundation’s support includes providing the food stocked in the FARMacy trailer and expanding the mobile market’s reach to serve more families facing transportation and cost challenges.
“Florida Blue Foundation is the definition of a true community partner,” said Second Harvest CEO Monique Ellsworth, noting that the grant will allow the organization to reach residents in communities where food costs are high and access to healthy options is limited.
Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying their support will help create a healthier food system that benefits all Floridians through expanded access and collaboration.
The FARMacy mobile market model brings nutritious food where it’s needed most, helping reduce both transportation hurdles and food insecurity in rural communities across the Big Bend region.
Read more: Second Harvest of the Big Bend receives $400K grant for mobile food market