Would You Like Hummus with That?

After successful test-drives last summer, the Be Healthy Berrien mobile farmers market is ready to roll into more locations, selling nutritious veggie wraps and helping fund its mission of bringing fresh produce to the region’s food deserts.

The van, operated in conjunction with Andrews University’s student garden, was at the opening day of the Benton Harbor farmers market Wednesday, offering garden-fresh wraps with BBQ chickpeas, basil pesto, Greek salad, and southwest hummus for $6. Combo meals, with chips and a drink, are $8.

This is the fourth year for the mobile farmers market, started to promote healthy eating habits, particularly in areas where fresh fruits and vegetables are not easily available.

Last year Andrews offered lunch stops for two weeks and had a positive response, said Garth Woodruff, supervisor of the Andrews student garden, and it was decided to expand the offering.

It takes about $30,000 to run the mobile market for the summer, Woodruff said, and the organizers are hoping to earn about half that amount from its lunch sales. The market receives other funding through Be Healthy Berrien, which promotes healthy eating and exercise.

The visits to neighborhoods where fresh food is not readily available will start as the growing season progresses, Woodruff said.

He said he hopes customers come out for the healthy, convenient alternatives, and to support the cause of better eating throughout the community.

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