Antoinette Vines, the founder and president of Mercy Deliverance Ministries, is set to bring a revolutionary change to the lives of people in Ensley. On Wednesday, these residents will be the first to experience the freshness of produce from this unique grocery store on wheels. It offers a shopping experience like no other, allowing people to shop right in the comfort of their own communities, a luxury in itself.

Expanding Efforts to Food Desert Communities

For years, Mercy Deliverance Ministries has been dedicated to providing free boxed food to the people of Ensley. Now, with the addition of this mobile grocery bus, their reach extends even further to other food desert communities. As Vines said, "When they see this bus en route and the others to come, I want to be reminded that God thought enough of them." This initiative is a step towards ensuring that everyone has access to essential food items.When you step into the grocery bus, you are greeted with a wide variety of items. From pasta and various seasonings to breakfast items and condiments, there is something for everyone. But the real highlight is the access to fresh produce. Vines explained that donations help them subsidize the food prices. For instance, canned foods on this bus cost only about 80 cents.

Benefits for the Entire Community

The tax-free shopping offered by the mobile grocery bus is a significant advantage. It is available only to those who receive SNAP benefits or qualify for free and reduced lunches. However, even for those who don't fall into these categories, the low prices, which are at wholesale or slightly one to two percent above wholesale, make it an affordable option for the entire community. Vines emphasized that this is not just about providing food but also about making it accessible and affordable.

Overcoming Struggles During Holidays

It took four years for Mercy Deliverance Ministries to get this mobile grocery bus up and running. But for the families struggling to put food on the table during the holidays, the timing couldn't be better. Vines wants them to know that God has a plan and that they will overcome their difficulties. This bus is a symbol of hope and support during these challenging times.Vines also mentioned that they are only accepting electronic payments for now and that their SNAP approval is pending. To find out the complete schedule of where the bus will be throughout the week, one can visit the website https://www.mercydm.org/mobile-grocery-bus/. If you want the bus to stop in your neighborhood, you can send an email to Vines at Avines@mercydm.org.This mobile grocery bus is not just a place to buy food; it is a source of hope and community for the people of Ensley. It shows that with determination and the support of the community, even the most challenging problems can be overcome.