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Mobile Market in Park City Provides Free Food to Families in Need

The Mobile Market provides free food to families in Park City every Saturday, aiming to reduce food waste.

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PARK CITY, Utah — Every Saturday morning, the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church becomes a hub for fresh produce as the Mobile Market sets up its operations. Volunteers arrive around 9 a.m. to prepare tables, and by 9:15, food 'rescuers' start unloading crates of fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste. The Mobile Market, led by Shelby Cornett, the food waste coordinator for Waste Less Solutions in Summit County, aims to combat food waste while providing free, fresh food to anyone in need. Supported by a grant from the Park City Community Foundation Climate Fund, the initiative has already been piloted twice, serving approximately ten families during its last event. The program operates with a simple philosophy: offer fresh food with no questions asked. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags but can take as much as they need without limits. Cornett emphasizes the importance of reducing waste and increasing access to food through the tagline, "Waste less and feed more." Despite the affluence of the area, food insecurity exists and can be difficult to identify. Cornett has observed that the need for food assistance is significant among community members over her short time in the role. The Mobile Market is designed to fill gaps in support, particularly on weekends when other services are unavailable. Whole Foods is the primary donor for the Mobile Market, with plans to partner with additional grocery stores and restaurants in the future. Approximately 70 volunteers help deliver food donations, ranging from baked goods to non-perishables, to the church. The goal is to distribute the food within a two-hour timeframe, ensuring safety and efficiency. Any remaining food is redirected to community fridges, such as those located at Slopeside Village and Summit County Clubhouse, to support seasonal workers and others in need. The program stands out from traditional food banks by eliminating barriers and avoiding the collection of personal information, thereby maintaining confidentiality. Mobile Market operates every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until food is depleted, with extra food often distributed until around 11 a.m. Waste Less Solutions is actively seeking volunteers to assist with this vital community service.