New Jersey Economic Development Authority sponsors new stops for Virtua’s Mobile Grocery Store program

Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, will start bringing its acclaimed “Eat Well” Mobile Grocery Store program to Atlantic City this month. Area shoppers can buy a full range of highly affordable, healthy food – from fresh produce to meats to dairy products – twice weekly.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is sponsoring the Virtua Mobile Grocery Store’s interim expansion to Atlantic City as part of Governor Phil Murphy’s multi-faceted strategy to immediately increase food access in under-resourced communities. The program has operated in Burlington and Camden counties for several years.

The Eat Well initiative sells its items at prices far below the market average. Virtua’s program accepts EBT SNAP benefits, as well as cash and credit cards. Aboard the vehicle, Virtua staff members also answer customers’ questions about food preparation and nutrition.

“At Virtua Health, we view food as fundamental to health and wellness. Our Eat Well programs help ensure that South Jersey residents not only have access to fresh, affordable foods, but that they also receive guidance and support for embracing good nutrition as a lifestyle,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health. “We are honored to collaborate with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority on this important endeavor in Atlantic City.”

Virtua’s Eat Well team will visit Atlantic City on Fridays and, starting soon, Saturdays (in addition to its existing schedule of shopping sites). Atlantic Marina and Brigantine Homes – affordable housing communities managed by The Michaels Organization – serve as the Friday host sites. (Virtua Health is also collaborating with The Michaels Organization on a first-in-the-region housing-and-health-care community in Camden; construction is underway.)

The Eat Well initiative began in 2017 with the launch of the Eat Well Mobile Farmers Market, and also includes two Food Farmacies located within Virtua medical campuses. All Eat Well programs operate year-round.

“Hunger is just as prevalent in the winter as it is during the warmer months or ‘growing season,’” said April Schetler, MS, RD, FAND, assistant vice president of community health engagement for Virtua. “Our mobile programs visit the same locations every week so that our customers know they can depend on us.

“The services we provide have a major impact on people’s lives in Burlington and Camden counties. It is a responsibility we take to heart,” Schetler added. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be a resource for Atlantic City families through the holiday season and well into the new year.”

For more information about Virtua Health’s Eat Well programs, visit Virtua.org/EatWell. To view locations and hours, click on Mobile Grocery Store. To support Virtua’s programs to feed South Jersey, visit GiveToVirtua.org.