While Bergan is determined to keep prices low for families in need, the ongoing drought worries him. The price of food has gone up in the past three months, and he is worried it will rise even more dramatically. This would force Bergman to raise the prices on his products as well. Currently, Bergman says that the prices of the truck are about equal to the prices of the average supermarket.

Another customer, Koy Saetern, says she thinks the prices are “very reasonable.” Saetern adds that her kids like the meals that she makes from the food she buys from the truck.

Bergman said he tries to have enough variety in the truck so any family buying food can make a whole meal out of the products. At any given time, the truck sells pears, grapefruits, lemons, apples, carrots, onions, broccoli, rice, beans, and more, depending on what local farmers have available.

Produce On The Go began with an idea that Bergman had seven years ago. It has since developed into a project of the nonprofit, Make Someone Happy, receiving funds from both government agencies and businesses in the Central Valley. Bergman even obtained a retired beverage truck with the help of the Stewart family, owners of Delta Sierra Beverage and distributer for Budweiser, which was repainted to look more family friendly and food-related.

“Without the courtesy of Delta Sierra, it would have been impossible to get this started,” said Bergman. Despite obstacles like a lack of funding and the ever persistent drought, Bergman continues driving the truck to new clusters of hungry customers that he finds are in the most need of its services.

Months ago, Mercedian Adam Peichoto approached the truck to satisfy his curiosity about the colorful Produce On The Go vehicle. Not only did he gain a newfound appreciation for local produce after investigating the truck and talking with Bergman, he also left the truck with a tangerine that he purchased for only a quarter.

Tags: food access, food desert, food truck, produce, spotlight