Live HealthSmart Alabama, an initiative of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is adding another Mobile Market to better serve the residents of Birmingham.

The new Mobile Market is a grocery store on wheels designed to bring fresh, affordable food directly into Birmingham neighborhoods. As part of Live HealthSmart Alabama’s broader community revitalization efforts, the Mobile Market helps reduce barriers to healthy choices by increasing access to nutritious food in areas where options are limited.

Designed to enrich the shopping experience for community members, the vehicle now features expanded shelving, twice the refrigerator and freezer capacity to support a larger selection of items, and a motorized lift that improves access for wheelchair users. Together, these enhancements will help reduce product shortages and create a more comfortable, welcoming environment for shoppers.

“This state-of-the-art market allows us to reach more families, offer a greater variety of fresh produce and essential pantry items, and steward our resources more responsibly,” said Lemeshia Chambers, Ph.D., executive director of Operations for Live HealthSmart Alabama. “By bringing fresh, affordable food directly into Birmingham communities, we are breaking down barriers, restoring choice and dignity, and making good health simple and accessible for all.”

Community health coaches will be on-site to support shoppers by sharing ideas and resources that encourage practical, healthy food choices. The Mobile Market accepts SNAP benefits and EBT, as well as cash, credit and debit cards.

Why a Mobile Market?

Live HealthSmart Alabama’s Mobile Market is one of several strategies used to address limited access to nutritious food across the state. While each community’s needs differ, access to fresh fruits and vegetables remains a consistent challenge. According to Alabama Public Radio, nearly 2 million Alabamians live in areas with limited access to full-service grocery stores. The Mobile Market helps meet this need by offering fresh produce along with pantry staples, proteins and dairy at affordable prices.

By bringing food directly into neighborhoods, Live HealthSmart Alabama continues its mission to make good health simple, one community at a time.