Food Justice

25,000 residents, while the rest of the city has one per 12,500. Such “food deserts” are areas overserved by fast-food and convenience stores, and underserved by supermarkets and fresh food. The Center has taken an active role in addressing this problem by working with partner organizations on a Food in Neighborhoods committee to support farmers markets, community gardens, local food entrepreneurs, and both policy and economic development strategies that help increase access to healthy food for all.



Healthy in a Hurry Corner Stores
How do you turn a food desert into an oasis? One way is by increasing the accessibility and availability of healthy food. In partnership with the YMCA, we have been working with neighborhood corner stores on selling fresh fruits and vegetables (some of which is locally grown). A group of students at Meyzeek Middle School named the initiative “Healthy in a Hurry.” The goal is to expand to other stores throughout the city because everyone deserves access to fresh, affordable produce.