On Friday, June 6, 2025, Roanoke Cooperative had the opportunity to visit Ripe for Revival’s mobile market in Ahoskie—and what we experienced was far more than just fresh produce. We witnessed community uplift in action.
The visit showcased how Ripe for Revival is making affordable, healthy food more accessible to North Carolinians—especially in rural and underserved areas. Through a network of mobile markets, this nonprofit organization is feeding families, supporting local farmers, and reimagining what community care looks like.
From Waste to Worth: Local Food with a Purpose
Ripe for Revival was created to solve a very real problem: millions of pounds of perfectly edible food are wasted each year simply because they don’t meet grocery store standards. Founder Will Kornegay saw an opportunity to redirect this surplus—often just misshapen or oversized produce—to communities that need it most.
Now, the organization buys directly from North Carolina farmers and offers that food through mobile markets at prices 20–30% lower than most grocery stores. But what truly sets them apart is their pay-what-you-can model. Each item has a suggested price, but shoppers are encouraged to pay what they can. Some pay full price or more to help others, while those in need pay less—or nothing at all.
“It’s expensive to eat healthy—but it’s even more expensive not to.” That quote, shared during our visit from Malcom Lewis, perfectly reflects the heart of their mission—providing nutritious food access without barriers or stigma.
Community Voices
Every Ripe for Revival market tells a story—not just of fresh food and fair prices, but of real people helping one another and finding connection through community.
Willie and Kimberly Hunter of Ahoskie were first-time visitors to the Friday mobile market and were amazed by its mission. After shopping the bus, they shared:“We stayed under budget—and we paid it forward. That’s what I’m talking about!” Their contribution helped ensure another shopper could get what they needed, continuing the cycle of community care.
We also met Ms. Lake, a local resident who looks forward to the mobile market each week. “This is one of my favorite things to do on Fridays,” she shared with a smile, posing for a photo in front of the bus. Her favorite staple? The delightfully oversized carrots—fresh, local, and full of flavor.
Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a recipe, or paying it forward, each market reflects the spirit of neighbors showing up for neighbors.
It’s More Than a Market
Ripe for Revival’s vision goes beyond just providing food. In the coming weeks, the organization plans to roll out two new additions to deepen their community impact:
- A mobile wellness unit offering services such as blood pressure checks and preventive health screenings, helping shoppers access vital health care while visiting the market.
- A mobile culinary kitchen that will travel to communities, teaching people how to prepare healthy, affordable meals using ingredients available on the bus. It will also serve as a workforce development tool in partnership with local colleges.
These “wraparound services” will address not only food access but also long-term health and economic well-being across North Carolina.
Serving Our Region
Ripe for Revival currently operates more than 30 mobile markets each week across 20+ counties. In Roanoke Cooperative’s service area, regular markets are held in:
- Rich Square on Tuesdays
- Windsor on Thursdays
- Ahoskie on Fridays
They also serve additional communities outside of our territory and are actively working to expand within Roanoke Cooperative’s service area. As new local stops are added, we will share that information with our member-owners.
How You Can Support
As a nonprofit, Ripe for Revival thrives on community engagement. Here are a few ways individuals and organizations can help:
- Volunteer: Assist with greeting customers, carrying groceries, or handing out food samples.
- Sponsor a Market: Help fund $10 vouchers for shoppers. Sponsorships begin at $750.
- Donate: Become a Mission Partner with recurring contributions to sustain weekly operations.
- Spread the Word: Ripe for Revival markets are open to everyone, regardless of income. No forms, no qualifications—just fresh, local food.
Roanoke Cooperative is proud to highlight the incredible work of Ripe for Revival and the positive impact they’re making in our communities. Their mission to reduce food waste, support local farmers, and make nutritious food accessible to all truly reflects our shared values of community, equity, and service.
We encourage all member-owners to follow Ripe for Revival on Facebook to stay up to date on each week’s schedule and market offerings. It’s more than a grocery stop—it’s a movement that brings people together.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.ripeforrevival.com.
