Food Deserts and Food Policy: A Case Study of Washington, DC

Video Description

According to the USDA, the 2008 Farm Bill defined a 'food desert' as an area in the United States with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, "particularly such an area composed of predominantly lower-income neighborhoods and communities." In this panel, panelists reviewed the socio-economic factors that create food deserts and discussed the work of those who local sustainability efforts in food production and distribution, reverse nutritional poverty, and ensure local food security. Panelists also discussed how local policy is shaped in response to national best practices and shared their program's initiatives. This event took place simultaneously in NYC and Washington, DC. Carolyn Dimitri, Associate Professor of Food Studies at NYU Steinhardt led a short discussion after the NYC watch party. Sweetgreen generously donated two $50 giftcards, and two lucky attendees won the raffle!