HIGH POINT, N.C. — A new project is working against food insecurity in the City of High Point. The Growdega is a mobile grocery store created by Growing High Point, an initiative to bring fresh produce to residents through urban gardening.

The Growdega, which launched in March, offers fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, and dairy products. Several times a week, the mobile market travels to different neighborhoods in High Point where there are no traditional grocery stores within walking distance.

High Point has been fighting against food insecurity for years. According to the Greater High Point Food Alliance, the Greensboro-High Point area ranks 14th in food insecurity in the nation. There are seven food deserts within Guilford County.

“There’s a sense of relief that one doesn’t have to walk one and a half to two miles just to get their groceries. That they can come once a week to something that’s right across the street from where they live,” volunteer Jonathan Pucik says.

Pucik volunteers his Tuesdays with the Growdega. The Episcopal priest has seen the need for more access to healthier food options.

“This is beginning to ask those more critical questions about what are the systemic issues that lead to hunger and food insecurity,” he says.

The food offered in the Growdega is grown locally by a few community organizations, including Growing High Point. Growdega customers can request items they would like to see the mobile market carry.