Second Harvest brings nourishment to ‘food deserts’

By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald

In an effort to combat the prevalent issue of food insecurity in south Louisiana, Second Harvest Food Bank, in conjunction with Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee, has launched a mobile initiative to bring affordable, nutritious “groceries on wheels” to communities in need.

Debuting at its pop-up market at the James C. Simmons Community Center on May 9, the Makin' Groceries Mobile Market will provide inexpensive, healthy foods to communities in District 3 on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish that have been labeled as "food deserts."

Due to limited access to transportation and proximity to grocery stores, the neighborhoods of Avondale, Kennedy Heights and Waggaman have found it especially difficult to obtain fresh produce, dairy products, protein and other pantry essentials.

According to Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, an estimated 13% of Jefferson Parish residents do not have access to healthy foods due to a lack of proximity to a grocery store.

“(Reducing) food insecurity is one of our top priorities in Jefferson Parish,” Lee Sheng said.

Councilman Byron Lee said he and his team have been looking for solutions to the developing issue for more than a year and have even approached 12 different food retailers, asking for their support in improving food security, but have received a commitment from only one. 

“This area has been a food desert for quite some time,” Lee said. “We wanted to be able to figure out a way to make an impact in this community.” 

Lee added that he was delighted to see so many community members shopping on the market’s first day open and to be able to provide items necessary for their daily sustenance.

“The community is buying into this because there is a need,” Lee said. “We had to do something that we believe will impact this community and create a bridge toward a grocery store operation.” 

Natalie Jayroe, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, said the new initiative represents Second Harvest’s commitment to an equitable, food-secure future for the people in these food desert communities and south Louisiana. 

She said that one out of every six persons in south Louisiana is food insecure, as is one out of every four children. And the numbers are not improving.

“Whether it’s a child who doesn’t know what they’re going to eat before school, working families that are faced with the impossible decision of buying food, paying rent or putting gas in their car, a senior choosing between medicine and food,” Jayroe said. “We hope that we’re developing the kinds of initiatives that speak directly to you where you are.”

“Our Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market is an important step in ensuring more families have access to nutritious foods,” Jayroe said. “By bringing fresh produce and pantry staples directly into neighborhoods, we’re empowering our community, our neighbors and our families to access the nourishment that they need to thrive.” 

Shoppers will not only have access to healthy groceries, but they will also be able to interact with Second Harvest Food Bank partners such as InclusivCare, the Jefferson Parish Health Unit WIC and the Second Harvest Nutrition and Wellness Team. These partners will offer essential healthcare services such as blood-pressure testing, medication management, health education and more. 

James C. Simmons Community Center, 4008 US Highway 90 in Westwego, has agreed to host the Makin’ Groceries pop-up market while the mobile market is under construction.

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