Existing comment:
Beverley Wheeler, Director, D.C. Hunger Solutions
QUOTE:
"Grocery store access is a racial equity issue that must be dealt with, and it's a health issue. We can no longer pretend we don't see what we see. Can you imagine if you have to take two or three buses and take your kids with you? You can't carry all that back with you."
CONTEXT:
The DC wards with the fewest supermarkets per resident -- Wards 5, 7, and 8 -- are also the area with the most reliance on public transportation. And because of federal regulations, the corner groceries in these neighborhoods are too small to accept WIC vouchers (a critical resource for pregnant women, new mothers,and young children). This can mean that families have to travel long distances -- often by bus -- to buy fresh food.
TAKE ACTION:
Support organizations that are working to address the grocery gap. Champion legislation that can help bring more full-service and small grocery stores to neighborhoods where they're lacking, as well as expand access to WIC at already existing corner stores |