Live HealthSmart Alabama opens new Mobile Market in Selma

UAB’s Live HealthSmart Alabama opened their new grocery store on wheels called the Mobile Market in Selma on Thursday in front of City Blocks Wellness Center on Broad Street.

A line of residents waited to choose from the squash, zucchini, oranges, apples, greens and more in the refrigerated truck that comes compete with a cashier.

Thamar Taylor, program director at Live HealthSmart Alabama based in Selma, said they have been waiting on the mobile market to be delivered and ready to open for over a year. 

During that time, Live HealthSmart Alabama has hosted pop-up farmer's markets in East Selma “to bring good nutrition to the Selma community.”

“We know that Selma is a food desert, so we decided to make sure we had a mobile market available in the community so individuals can shop,” Taylor said.

The Mobile Market has fresh fruits and vegetables and pantry staples, milk, eggs, cheese, butter and also chicken, ground turkey and ground chicken.

The market was open for the first time Thursday from 12-2 p.m. and will be open from now on every Thursday also from 12-2 p.m. at different locations, starting with Selma Public Library at the corner of Washington Street and Selma Avenue.

Vouchers are available to give $10 off that the community can get by attending Live HealthSmart Alabama wellness events held throughout Selma. Shoppers can also get $5 off by mentioning the Mobile Market ad running on the Black Belt News Network. 

Groceries and produce were ordered and provided by Ziscuit, an online grocery store located at Selma Mall. Owner Mark Peterson said the fresh items came from local farmers. Taylor said the prices are affordable and not as high as a corner store or gas station.

City Blocks Wellness Center hosted yoga classes and wellness lessons during the opening event. Selma Housing Authority also brought their food truck that offered healthy meals and a sample of Live HealthSmart’s popular cucumber salad.

Live HealthSmart Alabama started a three-year initiative in Selma in 2023 to improve healthy eating and has done that with Pop-Up Wellness Clinics across the community and by renovating the East Selma Community Park and its fishing pond for residents to have a place for recreation and exercise on the walking trail. They also host Happy Healthy Kids initiative at schools in Dallas County. Live HealthSmart Alabama has expanded to Demopolis and plans to work in Camden.