Food for the food deserts in North Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama (WHNT) – Food deserts continue to emerge in northern Alabama communities – caused by food insecurity and a lack of affordable, healthy options.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s definition, a “food desert” is an area where at least 33% of the population lives more than a mile or more than a walking distance from a supermarket selling fruits and vegetables. In northern Alabama, this affects nearly 2 million people.

Joshua Matthews, chief operating officer of the Food Bank of North Alabama, says food deserts force people to choose between easily accessible fast food or more expensive, healthy alternatives. For people without cars, that choice is even more limited.

“In many places, in rural areas, the nearest grocery store may not be that close,” he said. “You may have to drive 20 or 30 minutes to get to the nearest full-service grocery store.”

In poorer areas, grocery stores are even fewer in number, and the high prices of produce prevent many people from going there. Instead, many opt for the evenly distributed fast-food restaurants.

This worsens obesity and other health problems in rural and low-income communities, according to a 2023 study from Auburn University in Montgomery. Matthews says it also affects the health of people living in urban food deserts – or “food swamps.”

“We know a lot of people we care for who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes and are looking for help,” he said.

In DeKalb County, Fort Payne has only three produce stores and over 20 fast food restaurants. Nearly 60% of the population lives more than a mile from a grocery store – the definition of a “food desert.”

Fort Payne City Schools utilizes the Farm to School program, which aims to alleviate the stress of families living in a food desert by incorporating fresh, local produce into cafeteria meals. Local farmers sell directly to the schools, and Laran Adkins, director of child nutrition, says it’s beneficial for both families and farmers.

“It’s such a wonderful program because it helps our farmers,” Adkins said. “They’re based here in our area or all over Alabama and they bring our students great fresh fruits and vegetables that they wouldn’t normally get on a regular basis.”

The Food Bank of North Alabama participates in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). States purchase fresh produce from local farmers and distribute it through the food banks to communities in need of food assistance.

Jeremy Calvert’s farm participates in the LFPA program and he says it’s good for business due to the steady demand for his crops.

“This allows my family farm to continue operating even in difficult times and I see it as a win-win situation for everyone because people get fresh, local products that are healthier for them,” he said.

Community gardens also provide produce to people living in food deserts. Alabama A&M University opened a community garden in March that is open to the public.

For people who cannot make the drive, the Food Bank also operates a mobile food distribution service. The Park-it Market provides food to people living in urban and rural food deserts.

“We’ve taken it to Lawrence County and various areas outside of our service area where there is no access to a real grocery store,” Matthews said.

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Matthews said the Park-it Market is a welcome and popular addition to the food bank’s resources and people living in food deserts appreciate the access to fresh, free produce.

“It can really change someone’s life, especially someone who is battling a diet-related disease like high blood pressure or diabetes,” he said. “That’s the case for many of the older people we care for.”

People living in food deserts can request a Park-it Market visit by contacting the Food Bank of North Alabama.