WHERE DO YOU GET FOOD?

A really weird and distinct anomaly of living in Detroit is the lack of grocery stores. There are virtually no large commercial grocery stores in downtown Detroit. People often have to get food through other means; corner stores and local liquor and convenience marts. Really though, what kind of food is offered? There is virtually no access to fresh and local food. Everything is processed and packaged. What does this mean for the residents, in particular the kids. How are people getting proper nutrition?......Can this change? Here is a quote from  a recent article: "

"While there are neighborhoods with good small grocers, residents in many areas are reduced to buying whatever their local convenience or liquor store is willing to stock.  Alecia Beck, who gets around her Midtown neighborhood on a wheelchair scooter, says to get fruits and vegetables in this neighborhood, "We went to the store two blocks over and you'd touch an orange and your finger goes into it because it's rotted. Or all the vegetables are all dried out or all rotten. ... This is what I'm supposed to eat in my neighborhood."

There is some sense of change. The Eastern Market in Detroit is a hub for Michigan produce and there is a large number of articles and interest in the concept of urban farming; born out of new ideas on how to utilize the large areas of Detroit that are no longer habitated. Read this excerpt from a recent article and see what you think:

"The growth in agricultural production within the city limits has been astounding. The 2009 growing season provided enough produce to keep six farmers markets operating year round. During that same season, the Grown in Detroit Cooperative sold over 23,000 pounds of fresh produce and donated 1,100 pounds to the local soup kitchen. Besides providing residents with fresh food, these farming endeavors are providing employment opportunities for the city's young people and restoring dignity to some of its elders. Grandmothers teach techniques in canning and preserving. Domestic arts that were almost lost during the heyday of industrialization now add value to the garden produce..........The sound of urban renewal in post-industrial Detroit is the sound of roosters crowing and bees buzzing. The city is in the process of changing its ordinances to allow for more community and institutional gardens -- already 600 and counting -- easier permitting for livestock, and fewer obstacles to the distribution of local agricultural products to schools, residential facilities, and hospitals. The Detroit Urban Garden Education Series offers over 50 workshops each year for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Want to know how to compost? There's a workshop nearby. Interested in how you can extend your growing season? There's a Web site with useful information".