NICKOLAS L. OATLEY

The USDA defines a food desert as a part of the country where people do not have access to fresh fruit, vegetables nor other healthy whole foods. The Appalachian region is being faced with a challenge that a lot of Americans take for granted.
To combat these food deserts that stretch through Appalachia, citizens have cultivated sustainable local food systems. These systems ensure that families can put dinner on the table. Community Food Initiative is an organization located in Athens, Ohio, that helps to foster communities where everyone has equal access to healthy, local food. Systems like these are helping to rebuild local living economies throughout Appalachia and give everyone an equal opportunity to fresh food.