Unanimous Council Approval of CB-28-2021 Targets County’s Healthy Food Priority Areas 

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Wednesday, June 2, unanimously supported CB-28-2021, amending the definition of Mobile Vendors to include Mobile Grocery Trucks and providing healthy food options in the County’s Healthy Food Priority Areas. 

Under the legislation, the definition of mobile vendors also references individuals who sell pre-packaged groceries including but not limited to dry goods, pantry staples, fresh fruits and vegetables (pre-packed or not), dairy products, proteins, pre-packed and uncooked meats from a mobile food service facility or producer mobile farmer’s market unit approved and inspected by State or County health departments. 

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II says this legislation expands food options for Prince George’s County residents in areas that need it most.    

“We still have portions of the County, and specific households, where residents find access to groceries challenging.  Mobile grocery trucks give us an additional way to provide residents with fresh fruits, vegetables and other nourishing items, without having to travel far from home.” 

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner, sponsor of the legislation, noted the importance of access to nourishing foods for every resident.   

 “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impacts on both food access and security of our residents in the County.  The mobile grocery trucks will bring food items into these communities, expanding food options for families.” 

The Council worked closely with the Capital Area Food Bank on this legislation. President and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank, Radha Muthiah, says having healthy, affordable food options close to home is one of the most important factors in any person’s ability to stay healthy.

 "For too many of our neighbors, transportation barriers make nutritious food options inaccessible. Expansion of the food bank’s Curbside Groceries initiative to the Prince George’s County community means many more residents can procure fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods right where they live, and we’re deeply appreciative of the support and partnership of the Prince George’s County Council for helping to make this possible.”

The Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will provide applications for mobile vendors licenses.

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