Connecticut’s Food Deserts
“Prices are on the rise, and so is hunger. Food deserts restrict access to food, but critically, to fresh and healthy foods." -Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.
Food deserts are areas with low accessibility to grocery stores, taking into account average income in the area.
A recent CT Insider article reported that in Connecticut, 8% of the state’s census tracts are considered food deserts. Some of the areas included in these food deserts are Bridgeport, New Haven, Naugatuck, and Norwalk, including residents served by our Weekend Meal Program.
Food deserts are disproportionately impacting low-income communities of color. In some parts of the state, our neighbors have to travel over 30 minutes each way to the nearest grocery store. Where you live should not determine whether you have access to nutritious food.
With rising food prices due to inflation, many residents are struggling to afford food, let alone gas to transport their groceries to their homes. Especially when they have to travel further from home for larger, commercial grocery stores.
All this being said, Filling in the Blanks work has never been more critical. When our community struggles with food insecurity, it can affect children the hardest. Going to school with an empty stomach makes learning harder, if not impossible.
In 2023, we want to combat the effects that COVID-19 and inflation has had on our community, and support those in food deserts. Let’s take action against childhood hunger together. Visit fillingintheblanks.org/waysyoucanhelp to get involved today.
Whether it be volunteering, collecting food, donating money, or sharing our message on social, we appreciate your continued support.