Abstract: The challenge of food insecurity in low-income communities warrants innovative solutions like Fresh Mobile Markets (FMMs) to improve access to fresh produce and address health disparities. This study analyzes demographic landscapes and travel patterns among Greensboro, NC, USA, FMM patrons and evaluates whether the FMMs effectively serve local communities or draw from distant areas. Additionally, the study highlights the potential impact of transportation barriers on patronage in the network. Analyses reveal disparities in FMM distribution, with some regions exhibiting higher patron traffic than others. Notably, FMMs attract patrons from diverse zip codes, suggesting varying levels of accessibility across neighborhoods. Our findings underscore the need for strategic FMM placement and targeted interventions to optimize food access in low-income/low-access neighborhood communities.

Motunrayo Ogunmola is a dedicated scholar currently pursuing a Doctorate in Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. With a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master's in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a research assistant at the Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Lauren B. Davis. Motunrayo's research focuses on addressing food security and equity issues in under-served communities, reflecting her commitment to using engineering solutions for social impact.