Food access is essential to the growth and development of youth. Since Pic Pac closed its doors in 2019, it has sat empty as residents now travel over 5 miles for access to healthy food. While that may not seem significant, it is to those who have no to very limited transportation. ​

Although a local farmers marker and convenience store are close, the affordability, hours, and availability of products create additional barriers. The lack of healthy food access creates food deserts that are harmful to the development of youth. In these areas, families rely more on processed, high calorie, and low nutrient food (i.e., fast food), which in turn can impact brain development, immunity, and physical growth, in addition to an increase in chronic disease, lower academic performance, and increased levels of anxiety and depression. ​

Food deserts are normally located in areas of low-income and under-resourced communities, which in turn increases the reliance on food services and school meals. Our children are in demand for healthy foods; we need to be the ones to help supply the access.