A lack of convenient and high quality food stores in certain parts of Baltimore have created food deserts- a phenomenon that serves to exacerbate health disparities in our city. Launched in 2010, the City-sponsored Baltimarket program delivers grocery orders to four “deserted” locales to those who qualify for it. Although the City Health Department runs the program, there are no city funds involved, as the original program funds from the federal stimulus have since been since supplemented with money from foundations.
The supermarket and delivery partner, Santoni’s Super Market, accepts a variety of payment methods at the delivery location and waives the delivery fee. Baltimarket employees note not only the positive effect this is starting to have for the program’s 156 customers, but the community togetherness that comes from the pickup system.
