At Fresh Routes, we have the simple belief that access to healthy and affordable food is a basic human right.  However, so many communities across Alberta are struggling with basic food access. Like the inability to access healthy food, diet-related diseases ​ disproportionately affect our most vulnerable. And we know there are still thousands of Albertans that continue to experience food insecurity. On average, 1 in 10 Albertans experience food insecurity.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has only made it harder for individuals to access food. How can we expect Albertans to “eat more vegetables” when a cucumber is more expensive than a doughnut or requires a 40 minute drive? Because of the mobile markets, one of our customers is now able to buy carrots, zucchini and turnips, and make a bison stew for her entire family for less than $6. At Fresh Routes, we bring healthy and affordable produce directly into communities facing the greatest barriers in access. We make the healthy choice the easy choice. 

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Read Rita's story to learn more about how the Mobile Grocery Store has impacted her life:

Rita is a regular shopper at the Mobile Grocery Store. About seven years ago, Rita stopped working and began to access programming in her community. 

"Since I am not working, this is a good help. I don't have any financial help from the government so getting cheaper food, at least I don't have to get it from my savings...At least I can access [fruits and vegetables] and I don't have to buy them at normal stores where I have to pay more."

For Rita, the Mobile Grocery Store represents more than just a means to accessing food.

"[The Mobile Grocery Store] seems like its part of the community. I know the majority of the people. It's nice to see them and say hi, joke with them...the sense that you belong y'know, a sense of belonging, that's nice. It's nice to belong.  This is always a good community, its welcoming. A lot of people that come here are living by themselves, so it allows them to extend themselves and socialize at the same time., even just a few seconds, because you need that, especially with the pandemic."

Because of the Mobile Grocery Store, Rita like many others are able to access healthy foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, and save money where those essential funds can be used to pay for other expenses. 

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Our emphasis is on dignified food access, to us, this means:

• affordability — our prices are up to 45% lower than regular grocery stores
• convenience -  we show up right at the doorstep to those who need it most
• we bring culturally appropriate options and offer choice
• and lastly, we do not ask for proof of income. All are welcome to shop!

The numbers do not tell it all and we invite you to hear more stories like Rita's. Watch this short video to learn about our market and meet Robin, a community member who relies on regular trips our mobile grocery store to access healthy food each week. 

We believe that everyone should have access to healthy, fresh and affordable food.

With your support, we can continue to each thousands of Albertans each month. These funds will help Fresh Routes respond to community needs, support our current community work and help us plan for the future. 

Thank you for supporting dignified access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food!

Fresh Routes is a not-for-profit social enterprise that is focused on creating new, innovative ways of providing healthy and affordable food to as many Albertans as possible — especially those who need it most.  Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and is informed to make healthy decisions and live a healthy life!