Notes on Food Deserts in Virginia

Overview of Food Deserts

• Definition: Areas lacking affordable and nutritious food access.
• Impact in Virginia: 17.8% of the population lives in food deserts.
• Key locations mentioned: Hampton, Richmond, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Wise County.

Personal Accounts

Kim Douglas's Experience

• Resident of Hampton for 55 years, observed significant changes.
• Formerly nearby grocery stores are now replaced by convenience stores with high prices and poor food quality.
• Struggles with health issues (high blood pressure, arthritis) exacerbated by diet.
• Reliance on public transportation to access affordable grocery stores.

Delegate Dolores McQuinn

• Noticed food insecurity while serving on city council.
• Presented bills in 2012 and 2013 to raise awareness about food deserts.
• Educated fellow delegates on the issue, collaborating with organizations to address it.

Research and Statistics

• Dr. Jewel Hairston’s study indicates 1.4 million Virginians live in food deserts.
• Poor nutrition linked to obesity, diabetes, and academic performance issues.
• Economic downturn has worsened the problem, affecting those without historical poverty.

Organizational Responses

Virginia Food Banks

• Leslie Van Horn: Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
• Distributed 142 million pounds of food last year, up from 45 million nine years ago.
• Majority of clients are working poor, facing job loss or pay cuts.

Community Initiatives

• Mount Olive Baptist Church: Hosts a food pantry, essential for local food desert residents.
• Lynchburg Grows: Urban farm working to improve access to fresh produce.
• Shalom Farms: Grows organic produce and partners with health systems for healthy food access.
• Tricycle Gardens: Collaborates with corner stores to offer fresh produce alongside convenience items.

Challenges Facing Food Deserts

• Lack of transportation and high prices for healthy food options.
• Poor food choices available in local stores lead to health problems.
• Children are significantly affected, with 16.5% of Virginia children food insecure.

Solutions and Advocacy

• Emphasis on education about nutrition and accessibility of healthy food.
• Innovative approaches like indoor urban farming to grow food sustainably in cities.
• Community involvement and volunteerism critical for local food initiatives.
• The need for collaboration among organizations, businesses, and government.

Concluding Thoughts

• Food deserts represent a systemic issue tied to economic disparities.
• Requires a multifaceted approach to create sustainable solutions.
• Community resilience and awareness are key to addressing food insecurity.