The event on Sunday was one effort–among many–to extend the awareness and discussion about the upcoming closing of Akron’s Innerbelt (Rt. 59) and re-imagine the space for the betterment of our city.
United Way donor investments are supporting mini-farmers markets in low-income “food desert” neighborhoods. Here, residents can use their SNAP and EBT benefits (food stamps) to purchase all foods for sale. They can also receive “Carrot Cash,” a dollar-for-dollar match of their food stamps to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Residents are being trained to expand markets into their own neighborhoods and nutrition education programs will be offered through nearby after school programs.
Hattie Larlham will add a vital community service to its garden-to-work training programs, a much needed oasis in the food desert that exists at Akron’s Douglas Street, near the Akron Zoo.