Bright produce illustrations make the YMCA’s market van a cheerful sight at Shawl 1 in Whitehall every Tuesday morning. It’s not your typical farmers market—it’s the Muskegon YMCA Mobile Farmers Market, and it’s making a big impact in a small window of time.
From 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., White Lake Area residents can shop for healthy, affordable produce without needing to leave their neighborhood. Operated by the Muskegon YMCA’s Food Access Team, the mobile market is designed to eliminate barriers like transportation and affordability that often prevent access to fresh food.
The van is run by Amy and Lane, two welcoming and knowledgeable team members who’ve become a weekly fixture at Shawl 1. In addition to offering fresh produce, they bring along printed recipes that feature the fruits and vegetables available that day, giving shoppers easy ideas for turning their purchases into meals.
“The market has been very well received in Whitehall,” they shared. “People love having access to fruits and vegetables right outside their door—and the recipes help make it even easier to use what they buy.”
Customers can pay with cash, credit, or SNAP benefits, and all items are priced to stay affordable. The setup may be small, but the impact is significant—especially for residents facing mobility or financial challenges.
While Shawl 1 is currently the only White Lake stop on the route, the YMCA is hoping to expand its reach.
“We are always looking to expand to more sites in Whitehall,” said the team. “Local partnerships and funding will allow us to serve more locations while keeping our prices affordable for all customers.”
Community members interested in supporting the market can help by spreading the word, volunteering, or connecting the YMCA with potential local partners.
Amy Yonkman is the Product Lead for the CatchMark Community platform, bringing extensive experience in project management, WordPress administration, and digital content creation. She excels at coordinating projects, supporting cross-functional teams, and delivering engaging digital experiences. Amy is skilled in content strategy, workflow optimization, and multimedia editing across web and social platforms. With a strong background in task organization, technical writing, and customer service, she plays a key role in driving the growth and impact of CatchMark’s community-focused digital initiatives.
