Chicago food deserts get mobile markets

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fresh fruits and vegetables are coming to Chicago's 'food desert' neighborhoods on the city's West and South sides. An old bus will be retrofitted into a mobile market.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Growing Power announced the Fresh Moves Mobile Markets will begin serving the areas next week. Growing Power will offer "affordable, locally-sourced fresh fruits and vegetables" to the underserved neighborhoods, according to a news release.

The city is providing a former transit bus to Growing Power, as well as fuel and maintenance for one year. Growing Power will retrofit the bus and stop at 12 locations throughout the week. SNAP will be accepted.

Mobile Markets begin on July 18 and will be open year-round Tuesday-Sunday.

Times and locations:

Tuesday

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

TCA Health (1029 East 130th Street)

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church - The Claretian Initiative (9108 South Brandon Avenue)

Wednesday

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

TCA Health (1106 East 79th Street)

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy (239 East 32nd Street)

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Centers for New Horizons, James Pitts Center (226 East 43rd Street)

Thursday

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

TCA Health (1803 East 71st Street)

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

The Renaissance Collaborative Senior Village (346 East 53rd Street)

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

KLEO Center (119 East Garfield Blvd.)

Saturday

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

CHA - Dearborn Homes (2960 South Federal Street)

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Neighborhood Housing Services (3601 West Chicago Avenue)

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Beth Anne Place/Bethel New Life (1143 North Lavergne Avenue)

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

So Fresh Saturdays; Touring Farmers Market (Various locations)

Sunday

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

IMAN Market (2744 West 63rd Street)