Bus brings fresh groceries to underserved communities in Inland Empire

GRAND TERRACE, Calif. (KABC) -- A converted Riverside Transit Authority bus is bringing fresh groceries to underserved communities across the Inland Empire.

It's a bustling market filled with cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes and much more. On a recent stop in Grand Terrace, many lined up and waited at the parking lot of the nearby senior center for doors to open.

For senior Shelby Carter, it is an opportunity to get her shopping done.

"I don't drive anymore, so it's very nice," Carter said.

Family Service Association launched Mobile Fresh a year ago in Riverside County. The bus recently added stops in San Bernardino County.

In a month, the bus makes roughly 90 stops, providing fresh produce to underserved communities.

"We try to get the freshness of the farmers market at an affordable price for the community," said Joey Romero with Family Service Association Mobile Fresh.

The prices are typically 20 to 30 percent cheaper than the grocery store. First time customer Nicolas Sadd bought six tomatoes for $2.

"This is pretty neat. Helps us seniors a lot. People who can't go to the store," Sadd said.

For now, Mobile Fresh makes four stops a day and visits each location once every two weeks, but plans are in the works to expand operations.