WASHINGTON D.C., DC — For many in D.C.'s Ward 8, planning dinner involves more than just choosing recipes. With limited access to full-service grocery stores, a simple trip for ingredients can be a daunting task, often consuming a significant portion of the day.
Mya Bennett, a local resident and mother, shared her experience with WUSA9, highlighting the challenges of grocery shopping in Ward 8.
"The Safeway up the street used to be our only grocery store for 20 plus years," Bennett explained. "So all of this area was only being serviced by one grocery store."
The lack of accessible fresh produce has long been a struggle for Bennett. "Because I'm not driving at the moment, my grocery shopping experience is almost two hours," she said.
Adding to her responsibilities is her 4-year-old son, Blake, who has a dairy allergy.
"Making sure that I find his supplement in the fruits and vegetables is important," Bennett stressed, emphasizing the significance of nutritious options for her family.
According to the DC Policy Center, Ward 8 is classified as a food desert due to several factors: the distance to supermarkets, limited car availability, and low household income levels. Data also reveals the area's predominantly Black population.
To address the issue, food delivery services like Instacart have stepped in, accepting SNAP benefits and offering delivery across the District. However, there remains a need for more access to fresh produce.
J.D. Harrison, an Instacart spokesperson, highlighted their efforts to combat food deserts through partnerships with organizations like Martha's Table and Building Bridges across the River.
While delivery services may incur fees, the time-saving convenience they provide can be invaluable for busy individuals like Bennett, who balances motherhood with college studies for a better future.
For those in need of assistance, the DC program Sun Bucks offers support through Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer. Additionally, Instacart recently launched a community food drive, waiving delivery and service fees to support families in need through organizations like the Capital Area Food Bank. Here is a list of the links for your interest.
- DC sunbucks: sunbucks.dc.gov
- Online SNAP info via Instacart: instacart.com/ebt-snap
- Food bank online food drive: instacart.com/donate
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