FOOD DESERT
West Oakland, California, is a food desert. A food desert is a place where cheap, processed food is abundant while fresh, healthy, affordable is scarce. Without fresh, healthy food, the residents are vulnerable to health issues, including hypertension and diabetes. They face food injustice, as those in poverty are further weakened by the lack of fresh food.
URBAN FARMING
To counter the problem, the community started to work together. People started to provide food and agricultural education through backyard gardens and farm formerly unused public lots. A local group, City Slickers Farm, is currently working on an urban farm to provide fresh food and services for the community. Grocery stores like the People's Grocery are trying to address this issue too.
As urban agriculture grows here, fresh food is now more accessible. Residents are learning more about nature while enjoying happier and healthier lives. |