For years, the Creston and Belknap residents pleaded for access to quality food. Their community suffered consistently from food apartheid where finding nutritious, fresh food close to home was challenging. Food insecurity has been the norm for many families and residents, leaving them to rely on corner liquor stores for groceries. Local organizations worked to address this issue by engaging the YMCA’s Veggie Van or an online grocery service but nothing quite scratched the itch… until now.
Born from a need to have healthy nutrition close to home, a permanent, physical, local solution is on the horizon. Four partners, North End Community Ministry (NECM), the North End Wellness Coalition (NEWC), the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA), and the Neighbors of Belknap Lookout (NOBL) are working to establish a combination Farm Market and Community Resilience Hub within walking distance of both neighborhoods.
This Farm Market and Community Hub is close to becoming a reality. Its name, a nod to George Mandigo, will be “Georgie’s Farm Market—Where Everyone Knows Your Name.” Through the efforts of many, an oasis is forming in the desert. Stay tuned to this blog for updates and history as a new day in the landscape of heath for the North End begins.
