Self Help Mobile Market aims to expand access

Self Help has unveiled a new refrigerated Mobile Market designed to bring fresh food directly into communities across Beaufort and Jasper counties.

The nonprofit introduced the vehicle during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community partners, local leaders and supporters.

More than a year in the making, the new Mobile Market represents a major expansion of Self Help’s ability to bring fresh, healthy food directly into communities across the Lowcountry, particularly areas impacted by transportation barriers and limited food access.

The project was funded with support from Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, RLB Squared and The Johnston Family Foundation.

“This Mobile Market is more than a program…it is infrastructure on wheels,” said Courtney Hampson, CEO of Self Help.

“62% of our neighbors are food insecure,” Hampson said. “This allows us to bring food to people’s homes…who are unable to get to us…and it’s also going to allow us to expand into Hardeeville and into Jasper County and really take our mission on the road.”

The refrigerated vehicle is equipped to transport fresh produce, dairy products, proteins and other food staples. Self Help said the Mobile Market will travel throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties as part of its outreach efforts.

The celebration also included remarks from Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams, tours of the Mobile Market and opportunities for attendees to learn more about the initiative.

“In Jasper County and in Beaufort County, there are so many that are ALICE families — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed,” Williams said.

“This is so important to our community,” he said. “We should all be so very proud that Self Help is adding assets to the community that needs it so desperately.”

Self Help said it plans to announce future Mobile Market stops and partnerships in the coming months as the program begins operations across the region.

To learn more about Self Help or get involved, visit blufftonselfhelp.org.