It’s a market on a bus!
Updated: 4/6/20
In the wake of COVID-19, the Twin Cities Mobile Market has changed the way we operate to protect our customers and our team. Instead of weekly Mobile Market stops, we are working directly with our site partners to distribute free bags of groceries. This is made possible by our recent merger with The Food Group. The Food Group is able to provide 2 meals at the cost of $1. Each bag of groceries contains $10 worth of food, the equivalent of 20 meals.
At this time, we are distributing only to residents of our site partners. If you need additional food resources, please call the Minnesota Food Help Line at 1-888-711-1151, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit www.hungersolutions.org
Overview
Twin Cities Mobile Market is now a program of The Food Group. Anyone can shop on the Twin Cities Mobile Market bus for groceries.
This market on a bus conveniently brings affordable and fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains and other high-quality groceries directly into neighborhoods around Saint Paul and Minneapolis that don’t have easy access to full-service supermarkets, grocery stores or food shelves.
Ways to Pay
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, SNAP/EBT, and Market Bucks. At this time, we cannot accept WIC or checks. Market Bucks match dollar for dollar fresh fruits and vegetables up to $10 with SNAP/EBT.
Receive a free goodie bag of fresh fruits and vegetables when you purchase $10 or more in groceries.
I think it’s awesome! Sometimes I can’t get to the grocery store if I don’t have the bus fare, or it’s too far to walk.
CHRISTINA SAYERS, FIRST TIME MOBILE MARKET SHOPPER
Program’s History
Twin Cities Mobile Market started five years ago as a program of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.
Wilder often acts as an incubator for new program models that have capacity for greater impact beyond the organization and so find new places to flourish.
In 2019, the Mobile Market served 8,500 customers at 26 sites throughout Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Of those customers, 84 percent reported eating more fruits and vegetables. Eighty-nine percent said they have greater access to healthy food, according to a 2019 customer survey by Melissa Horning at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
FAQs
What types of food are available?
We offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables; dairy items such as milk, eggs, cheese, and yogurt; several varieties of lean meats; and basic dry goods including whole grains, rice, beans, and seasonings. During the growing season, we have seasonal produce from local farmers. Don’t see an item you want? Let us know and we’ll do our best to get it for you.
Where does the Mobile Market purchase its food?
We source the same high-quality products you find at your local grocery store. During the growing season, we buy from local farmers. Keep an eye out for updates on this as we collaborate with Big River Farms, another program of The Food Group that grows certified organic produce.
Where can I shop the Mobile Market?
The Mobile Market stops in Saint Paul, Minneapolis and other locations in the Twin Cities from Tuesday to Friday every week. Check back often for up-to-date information as our schedules and locations change to keep up with our customers’ needs. We also may be making improvements as we coordinate with The Food Group’s retail grocery program Fare for All.
*Inclement weather: We will close if St. Paul Public Schools cancels schools or activities. Otherwise, we’ll do everything we can to maintain our regular schedule.