Insights on Fresh-Produce Distribution in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8

In 2017, the Bainum Family Foundation’s Food Security Initiative and Bainum Foundation Farm LLC began contributing to the availability of healthy food in the District of Columbia’s Wards 7 and 8 by growing produce and supporting other organizations that distribute regionally sourced, sustainably produced food. As demonstrated by community residents and food-justice activists and amplified by existing data on inequities in food access across the District, there is a lack of fresh, healthy produce east of the Anacostia river. While there are many nongrocery organizations working to fill the produce-availability gap created by the absence of traditional grocers, there is a lack of aggregate data reflecting the total amount of produce distributed and the methods of distribution.

To address this data gap, in 2018 we surveyed and convened organizations that distribute whole, take-home produce in Wards 7 and 8 through primarily nongrocery sources (e.g., farmers markets, food banks, corner stores). Through this multipart series, we will share insights from our survey and convening, incorporating voices from organizations working on food production, distribution and access in the District.

We are early in our journey and while food justice was not the focus of our original survey/convening, this series is an initial step in our recognition of the importance of greater community voice, ownership and representation to advance an equitable food system.

Read the series here:

Part 1: Challenges and Opportunities in Food Distribution Data

Part 2: How Much Food and How Is It Distributed?

Part 3: Challenges and Opportunities in Food Procurement

Part 4: A Continuum of Distribution Models

 

Participating Organizations

We would like to thank the following organizations for participating in our survey and convening: