HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Oakwood University, Huntsville Housing Authority, and the Community Action Partnership Huntsville Madison & Limestone Counties, Inc. have teamed up to keep the community healthy one stop at a time. The campus officially launched its "Mobile Market" Tuesday.
Our WZDX News reporter spoke with leaders about how they're working toward a more healthy Huntsville in underserved communities.
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture, has indicated that there are certain zip codes, this being one of them, that are food deserts," says Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard.
Leaders hope to close the gap for lack of fruit and veggies in Northwest Huntsville. Their goal is accessibility and affordability with the launch of their new Oakwood University Mobile Market.
However, that's not all they have in store. As part of their "Healthy Campus" and "Healthy Community" initiative, they're in the construction phase of a new facility that will be located on the corner of Sparkman Drive & Bronco Circle N.W.
"We're now in phase two. Phase two is our Community Health Action Center, and on this side [right side] will be a Community Health Action Clinic." says Oakwood University Vice President of Research & Facility Development, Dr. Prudence Pollard.
Pollard says Huntsville Hospital will also partner with the university for the Community Health Action Clinic.
Activities at the Community Health Action Center include cooking classes and ways to reverse diabetes. Student ambassadors will work both at the center and the Mobile Market.
"I'm also a former resident, and I grew up in the community, and I knew there's a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables," says Huntsville Housing Authority Executive Director, Antonio McGinnis.
"This is a great idea. This is a great concept, bringing affordable items that will hopefully help residents become more healthy. This is just absolutely great!," adds McGinnis.
The Northwoods Housing Community is the first of six stops total. Here are the stops:
Northwood Village
Northwood Addition
Butler Terrace
Searcy
Lincoln Park
L.R. Patton
The Mobile Market will run biweekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.