Editorial: Farmers market and food shuttle could change climate of food desert
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Think of a desert, and a specific image comes to mind. It’s sandy and hot and seems endless and empty.
But that’s not every desert. There are frozen deserts that still qualify for the definition because of the lack of rainfall. There are deserts landscaped with mountains or those dotted with cacti or tumbleweeds.
And then there is New Kensington.
With an average annual rainfall of more than 42 inches, New Kensington seems far too damp for that dry moniker. But it’s not that kind of desert.
For many people, New Kensington is a food desert. The term refers to an area that lacks access to food — particularly fresh food — the way Arizona lacks precipitation. These areas are often urban. People with cars may not realize they live in a food desert, but for people who depend on public transportation, the absence of real grocery stores is a regular struggle.
Downtown New Kensington has had no grocery store since Shop ‘n Save closed in 2020.
There are always places that step into the void. Gas stations with convenience markets, small corner shops and dollar stores make money catering to those local buyers. However, all of those are places that tend toward very processed and preserved products. It can be hard to find frozen broccoli let alone a head of lettuce.
The New Ken Downtown Partnership will be working with vendors to provide a farmers market Saturdays from April 19 through Oct. 25 at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street. Partnership president Michelle Thom said applications are being submitted for the market to be a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program retailer.
This would be a way to bring fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and baked goods to people who often have trouble accessing them. But that is a spring, summer and fall solution. Food access is a year round necessity.
The Fresh Food Shuttle service operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to connect shoppers with stores like Walmart, Aldi, Giant Eagle, Golden Dawn and local food banks. It’s provided free by the partnership along with Wesley Family Services and Westmoreland Community Action. It serves residents 18 and older in New Kensington, Arnold and Lower Burrell.
Would it be easier if a grocery store recognized the need and located in downtown New Kensington? Yes. But downtown New Kensington is not alone. There are more than 6,500 food deserts in the U.S. About 10% of the population is affected, meaning 13.5 million people struggle with access to fresh, healthy food.
Until the climate of food access changes, New Kensington will have to rely on innovative solutions to help an area parched for good nutrition.