ARP, City Council News: Full Article

February 6, 2023

A mobile food service based in Youngstown is expanding with the support of American Rescue Plan funds targeted to the City’s 1st Ward.

Aisle One Mobile Market, opened last year by South Side resident Kimberly Johnson, received $50,000 to cover part of the cost of a new truck. The investment is among several sponsored by 1st Ward Councilman Julius Oliver.

Aisle One “is like a bodega on wheels,” Johnson said, serving fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, baked goods, and refrigerated items.

She expects to set up at least 50 temporary markets in the City this year, mostly on Thursdays and Fridays. Many will be in “food deserts” not served by nearby grocery stores.

The new truck, a Chevrolet Silverado 2500, will pull the 27-foot food trailer.

Johnson, who works as an equipment operator and in quality control at Macy’s Logistics in North Jackson, and also runs an event planning business, remembers a period in her life when meals were not as certain.

“I know what it’s like to experience difficulty getting to food because of a lack of transportation,” she said. “I believe people – all of us -- should be able to shop for fresh food.”

Johnson recently wrote a letter (see link below) to express appreciation for the funding.