Baltimore City Expanding 'Virtual Supermarket Program'

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Bringing affordable and nutritious food to those in need. The city is expanding its Virtual Supermarket Program, helping neighborhoods where getting healthy food is limited.

Tracey Leong has the story.

The Virtual Supermarket Program is the first one in the country to accept food stamps for online grocery ordering.

Access to nutrtious, affordable food is a limited luxury in Baltimore.

"Nobody should have to worry about whether they can have a healthy and affordable and nutritious meal," said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

It's a problem affecting one in four people in our city.

"Unfortunately, it's our children, and also, it's African-Americans who are disproportionately affected," said Wen.

Research shows that people who are further from a supermarket are more likely to have an unhealthy diet, leading to obesity and other related problems--a health issue city leaders are working to change.

"I truly envision a Baltimore where each neighborhood has equitable access to healthy, affordable and quality food every single day," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The mayor--announcing the opening of Baltimore's seventh virtual supermarket.

"You're able to put your health in your own hands," she said.

The program is giving people the ability to order groceries online from ShopRite that are delivered to the seven designated locations in the program, including the N M Carroll Manor Senior Apartments in Harlem Park.

It's a program residents are thankful to benefit from.

"It helps me be more conscious of ordering healthier food. And every time I order, I think of another vegetable or something I'm not--out of habit--I'm not used to ordering," said Bernadette Lee, who uses the program.

The city is working to expand the Virtual Supermarket Program to other areas within Baltimore.

For the details on the virtual supermarkets in your neighborhood, CLICK HERE.