The bulb is a direct-service nonprofit advancing equitable, barrier-free access to fresh, nutritious produce through place-based mobile farmers markets in underserved communities. Our markets center around choice and are shaped by collaboration with local farms, grocery partners, and neighborhood leaders-supporting a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient charlotte.
In 2025, the bulb hosted 392 mobile markets, distributing 430,341 pounds of fresh produce to more than 25,000 guests and reaching an estimated 84,858 household members across mecklenburg county. Guest feedback reflected strong impact, with 93.62% reporting improved health, 96.98% increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and 88.59% reporting grocery savings that helped free up household funds for other essential needs. The organization also expanded operational capacity by adding a third cargo van and more than doubling cold storage with a second walk-in cooler, improving transportation and food preservation efforts. Sustainability initiatives diverted 68,730 pounds of organic waste through composting partnerships and repurposed over 20,000 clamshell and egg carton containers through a single-use plastics reuse program.