East End Pop-up Market is Providing Healthier Food Options

When was the last time you did not have access to a grocery store? Although this may seem like a foreign concept, there are about 23.5 million people across the United States who don’t have a grocery store nearby. Areas without access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and other healthy food options are known as food deserts (CDC).

Unfortunately, Bridgeport is one of the many communities across the country considered a food desert. To help combat this problem, the Bridgeport Coalition created the East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Pop-Up Market. This Pop-up not only provides the community with healthier food options, but also helps, create jobs and job training opportunities for local residents.

The Bridgeport Coalition was recently recognized as a Spotlight Award Winner for their progress in improving local health, and was awarded $25,000 to further support their programs.

In 2016, the organization was selected to participate in the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge, a multi-year initiative between Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Counties empowering small to mid-size U.S. cities and counties to create a positive health impact. All 50 HCCC participants were invited to apply for the Spotlight Award. Of those that applied, only 10 were recognized as Spotlight Award winners.

Since the programs inception, Bridgeport has identified many ways to keep the community involved. The Blessed Sacrament, a church in the community, has made a commitment to offer healthier food options at all events. The Pop-up Market has also partnered with a young entrepreneur to pilot his software – called “Be Your Own Billboard”- which will allow area cell phones to be pinged with daily specials and events.

To learn more about the Bridgeport Coalition and the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge click here