#United States #North Carolina #Rocky Mount #Brightspeed #Ripe for Revival

Innovative Mobile Market in North Carolina

In the picturesque rural areas of North Carolina, ensuring access to fresh food is a growing challenge. The state faces a surge in food insecurity, with 1 in 7 residents struggling to secure sufficient nutrition—a situation that represents the highest level of food insecurity in 20 years. This urgent problem prompted a transformative partnership aimed at addressing both food and connectivity needs in these communities.

Addressing Food Insecurity

In 2025, a noteworthy collaboration was formed between Brightspeed, a significant broadband provider, and Ripe for Revival, a non-profit organization from Rocky Mount. Their mission centers on bridging the gaps in essential resources—namely, affordable food and reliable internet access—in an effort to foster thriving communities. This initiative has materialized into a Pay-What-You-Can mobile market that goes directly to those in need.

For the last six months, this innovative mobile market has been traversing rural North Carolina, setting up 88 weekly pop-up markets across 15 counties. These markets have reached nearly 10,000 individuals, distributing over 23,000 pounds of food at prices approximately 30% below typical grocery store rates. In a significant demonstration of the rising demand, the initiative has reported a staggering 39% increase in the amount of food distributed compared to previous years.

How It Works

Families can find the mobile markets at various locations each week, from church parking lots to community centers. Brightspeed and Ripe for Revival are committed to ensuring accessibility, stating that the market directly targets those who face difficulties affording essential food items.

The numbers speak for themselves: over the last six months, the mobile market has provided 151,623 servings of food, traveled an impressive 7,140 miles, and distributed significant quantities of produce and shelf-stable items. Will Kornegay, the CEO of Ripe for Revival, emphasized the mission's impact by saying, "We are out in small communities every single day, connecting with real people who struggle to afford basic needs. Our mission has a direct impact."

A Focus on the Forgotten

The partnership also addresses another concern—children and families living outside urban centers often miss out on available resources. Sabrina Anderson, a marketing manager at Brightspeed, highlighted the need for proper food and internet access, explaining, "Whether it's a lack of affordable, fresh food or a reliable internet connection, we wanted to invest in a partnership that makes a real difference."

North Carolina’s mobile market is making regular stops in counties like Beaufort, Bertie, Halifax, Johnston, and Warren. A monthly schedule is available for local families to plan their visits, demonstrating the initiative's commitment to accessibility.

About the Organizations

Brightspeed

Brightspeed is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and operates a network that serves more than 7.3 million homes and businesses across 20 states. With nearly 4,000 employees dedicated to enhancing community connections through advanced broadband services, Brightspeed's ethos focuses on making connectivity simple and accessible to everyone.

Ripe for Revival

Founded by entrepreneur Will Kornegay in 2018, Ripe for Revival initially aimed to assist farmers in marketing imperfect produce. By establishing Ripe for Revival’s non-profit arm, Kornegay sought to combat food insecurity effectively. The mobile markets sell local produce, meat, and dairy while also providing food subscription boxes throughout various counties, making nutrition accessible to many who would otherwise go without.

This innovative approach has garnered attention from various media outlets, showcasing how a blend of community effort and innovative solutions can help combat a pressing issue. For further information about Brightspeed and Ripe for Revival, visit their respective websites at www.brightspeed.com and www.ripeforrevival.com.