Mobile Market Brings Affordable Food Option To Johnston County Families

CLAYTON, N.C. — As gas and grocery prices continue to climb, many families across central North Carolina are making difficult choices — often cutting back on fresh, healthy food to stay within budget.

A weekly mobile market from Ripe for Revival is returning to Johnston County this month, aiming to provide relief at a critical time.

In partnership with Brightspeed, the initiative will bring fresh produce, meat and dairy directly to residents through a pay-what-you-can model. Organizers say prices are typically about 30% lower than traditional grocery stores, helping stretch tight household budgets.

The mobile market is scheduled to operate Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 13, April 20 and April 27 at 411 N. Fayetteville Street in Clayton.

The need is significant. So far in 2026, the mobile market has distributed nearly 14,000 pounds of food, reaching an estimated 5,600 North Carolina residents.

The nonprofit arm behind the effort grew out of Ripe Revival, founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Will Kornegay. The company initially focused on helping farmers find markets for imperfect produce, later expanding into food products and home delivery services across the state.

In 2021, Kornegay launched Ripe for Revival to directly address food insecurity through a fleet of mobile markets designed to meet people where they are.

Local organizers say the Clayton stop is part of a broader mission to create reliable access to fresh, nutritious food — particularly for families who may otherwise go without.