In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around innovative solutions to combat food deserts through the deployment of smart fridges and micro markets. The initiative, spearheaded by a local company, aims to enhance access to quality food in underserved areas, with a focus on community engagement and feedback.

The company currently operates a Trellis store in Fayetteville, which features a bistro and is staffed during certain hours, allowing customers to receive bags for their purchases. In contrast, the upcoming Cascade location will be entirely unmanned, prompting concerns about how first-time shoppers will manage without bags. The company representatives acknowledged this feedback and suggested they might provide bags for an initial period to help acclimate customers.

The rollout plan includes the opening of additional locations, with a new micro market set to launch at the end of September and two more on the Beltline in December. Furthermore, two smart fridges are scheduled to be installed in the Mercedes Benz employee break room, enhancing food accessibility for employees.

Concerns regarding inventory management and theft were also addressed. The company employs a \"shop and drop\" strategy for restocking, ensuring that items are replenished based on demand. They reported minimal theft incidents, attributing this to the pre-authorization system that requires a card to access the store.

Overall, the initiative represents a significant step towards addressing food insecurity in the region, with plans to adapt based on community needs and feedback as they expand their services.