Arlington community members organize workshops to address food access issues

Food is a necessity. Humans need it to survive. But just because something is a necessity, doesn’t always mean it’s easily accessible.

Areas without ready access to fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as food deserts. There is one such area just southwest of Hutchinson, but with the help of grants, community leaders and residents, a group is hoping to turn that around.

Kelsi Depew moved to Arlington in 2013 and became increasingly concerned about the city’s access to fresh, healthy food options.

“So I helped start a farmers market, and it helped a little,” she said. “There’s also a monthly food bank, but we are still considered a food desert by the USDA.”

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)