Mobile Fresh

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

The County of San Bernardino Transitional Assistance Department (TAD), in collaboration with the Family Service Association (FSA), is increasing fresh food accessibility to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, known as CalFresh in California) recipients via “Mobile Fresh”, a renovated commuter bus that sells fresh produce and dry goods. Mobile Fresh provides the selection and freshness of a Farmer’s market to neighborhoods that lack fresh food accessibility. Produce and dry goods sold by Mobile Fresh costs 20 to 30 percent less than products sold in grocery stores. Mobile Fresh currently visits three TAD district offices per month to serve TAD customers. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments are accepted at Mobile Fresh, benefiting those who may not have cash allocated for food purposes. TAD provides 25% off coupons to customers as an incentive to use CalFresh benefits at Mobile Fresh. The 25% discount is fully covered by FSA. Sales via EBT have been consistent since Mobile Fresh began visiting TAD district offices in April 2016, and plans are currently being developed to expand Mobile Fresh to other TAD locations.