From food deserts to fresh options: A community-based solution in North Carolina

For many families, transportation barriers, rising food costs and the prevalence of food deserts make it difficult to meet basic nutritional needs, an issue that directly impacts health outcomes and long-term wellbeing. Across North Carolina, it is estimated that 1 in 7 individuals, approximately 1.6 million people, experience food insecurity.¹ About 16% of census tracts across the state are classified as food deserts, meaning residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food options.² At the same time, roughly 1.4 million North Carolinians rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, reflecting widespread economic and nutritional vulnerability.³

To address this need, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina is investing $100,000 in nonprofit organization Ripe for Revival to bring fresh produce, meat and dairy to residents across eastern and central North Carolina through a growing fleet of mobile food markets.

Expanding access to healthy food through mobile markets

Ripe for Revival operates mobile food markets that deliver locally sourced produce, meat and dairy directly into communities at prices approximately 30% below traditional retail. These markets are designed to reach neighborhoods where grocery stores are scarce or unavailable, helping families access nutritious food without the added burden of long travel times or higher costs.

Currently, Ripe for Revival serves more than 30 community sites each week. With support from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina, the organization is expanding its fleet to 11 mobile markets, including converted campus buses and adapted trailers, allowing the program to reach more communities and families on a consistent basis.

Addressing food insecurity in North Carolina

The investment is focused on Regions 4 and 6 of North Carolina, areas that experience high rates of food insecurity and limited transportation infrastructure. The mobile markets reduce cost, transportation and geographic barriers that disproportionately affect rural families and children.

The initiative benefits all individuals in the community, not just UHC health plan members. This approach reflects a systems-level strategy that prioritizes community-wide health improvement over isolated interventions.

Ripe for Revival works with child- and family-serving organizations to identify households experiencing food insecurity and helps them receive the resources they need. Food boxes and market offerings include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, bread and other healthy grocery options that support balanced nutrition and long-term health.

This community-centered model aligns food access efforts with local organizations, helping to strengthen existing support networks while responding directly to community-identified needs.

Measuring impact and supporting sustainable outcomes

To ensure accountability and continuous improvement, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina and Ripe for Revival will track key performance metrics, including:

• Number of individuals and families served
• Number of food boxes distributed
• Number of community organizations engaged
• Duration of participation in the program
  

These measures support alignment with North Carolina’s Quality Strategy and Healthy Opportunities framework, while reinforcing a focus on outcomes and long-term sustainability.

Managed care enabling system-level solutions

This investment reflects managed care’s ability to address non-medical drivers of health that influence both outcomes and costs. By strengthening community food infrastructure, the initiative supports preventive health, chronic disease management and long-term system sustainability.

By expanding mobile food markets and strengthening community-based infrastructure, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina is helping families across eastern and central North Carolina access the nutritious food they need to live healthier lives.

Learn more about how UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina utilizes mobile units to support the health care needs of North Carolina residents.

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