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A mobile food market at the Binghamton Plaza on June 15, 2016. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Some residents of Binghamton will have improved access to fresh fruits and vegetables over the next few months.

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Mayor Richard David announcing the mobile market initiative. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Mayor Richard David has announced a 14-week pilot program that will provide more food choices on the North Side. It's a section of the city that's been without a supermarket for more than two decades.

The initiative is being launched in conjunction with the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse and other organizations.

CHOW will sell fresh fruits and vegetables in the Binghamton Plaza parking lot on three weekday afternoons. The food will be available Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m.

The "mobile market" will move to the Lee Barta Community Center at 108 Liberty Street on the same days from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.

CHOW representatives then will deliver produce to North Side homes for residents who call ahead. People may sign up for that service by calling 607.724.9130.

The mayor said the city will sponsor the pilot program using $4,950 from his office's budget.

David acknowledged that the initiative is not a "substitute for a grocery store" for the North Side. He said efforts are continue to attract a supermarket to the area, which has been described as a "food desert."

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Carrots were among the items offered on the opening day of the market. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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