Access to fresh, nutritious food remains a significant challenge for many communities across the United States, particularly in rural areas and underserved urban neighborhoods. The definition of food deserts, areas where residents lack easy access to fresh produce at affordable prices, has expanded. Food deserts are now defined not just in terms of distance from grocery stories, but also mobility access to travel to brick and mortar stores, and ability to use delivery food services.
Food insecurity is highlighted during summer months when children aren’t receiving regular meals at school. In rural areas, this “summer hunger gap” often resembles logistical barriers to reaching farmers’ markets and in urban areas, the rising cost of groceries makes nutritious meals less accessible.
To close the summer hunger gap, communities in rural and urban areas are collaborating to bring affordable nutritious meals to residents who are experiencing food insecurity.
In rural counties across Maryland, the summer hunger gap presents a significant challenge for low-income families. During the school year, many children rely on school meal programs for their daily nutrition, and during the summer, families have limited access to grocery stores or food distribution centers.
Transportation is a major obstacle for families living in these food deserts. The nearest source of fresh food can be miles away, with infrequent public transportation making the journey even more difficult. To address this, organizations like MidShore Meals til Monday in Dorchester County, MD have implemented mobile markets and meal distribution sites. With the help of a newly acquired refrigerated van, they can now deliver multiple days’ worth of meals to various locations, making it easier for families to access the food they need.
The Maryland Food Bank also supports access to fresh food with their “mobile markets“—refrigerated trucks set up like mini supermarkets. These mobile markets travel to remote areas, allowing residents to choose from a variety of fresh produce, rather than receiving pre-selected meals. This system respects the dignity of those in need and ensures that the food provided aligns with their dietary preferences and cultural needs.
In New Castle, Pennsylvania, an innovative pilot program is addressing the transportation barrier that many residents face in accessing fresh food. Allied Community Transportation Services (ACTS) has launched a special program offering rides to the New Castle Farmers Market on two Saturdays in July 2024. This initiative is particularly beneficial for senior citizens and low-income families who may not have reliable transportation to get to the market.
The pilot program, supported by the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, allows residents to schedule a ride with ACTS. For a nominal fee—$1 each way for seniors and $2 each way for others—participants are picked up from their homes, taken to the market, and then brought back home. This service not only increases access to fresh, locally-grown produce but also encourages community participation in the farmers’ market, supporting local vendors and fostering a sense of community.
The program is made possible through the county’s senior nutritional shopping program, which has been approved annually by the Lawrence County commissioners. This initiative has been successful at improving food access for vulnerable populations because it leverages existing transportation services and reliable funding streams.
In urban areas, where the cost of living is rising for many, access to affordable fresh food is difficult for many families. In Indianapolis, the “Food in Transit” program is tackling this issue by bringing free, locally-grown produce directly to residents at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center. Every Thursday from June to September 2024, the program offers a variety of fruits and vegetables at no cost, located at a central transit hub.
The program goes beyond just providing food. It also features cooking demonstrations on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, along with free prepackaged items and healthy recipes. These added features help residents learn how to prepare nutritious meals using the produce they receive, empowering them to make healthier food choices despite financial constraints.
Innovative programs are making a significant impact on food access in their communities by leveraging existing programs and resources. By addressing the specific challenges faced by residents—whether it’s the summer hunger gap, transportation barriers, or rising food costs—these initiatives demonstrate the power of local solutions to combat food insecurity. As these programs continue to evolve and expand, they offer a blueprint for other communities seeking to ensure that all residents have access to the fresh, nutritious food they need to thrive.
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
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