Henderson scores federal help with revitalization via ‘Local Foods’ program

By Jackie Valley

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Five hundred residents in downtown Henderson live more than a mile from a grocery store, meaning the neighborhood is considered a "food desert" because of its lack of options.

That could be changing. Henderson was one of 27 communities nationwide selected to participate in "Local Food, Local Places," a federal initiative that promotes neighborhood revitalization efforts and access to healthy, local food.

The initiative was developed as a partnership among six federal agencies — U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, Appalachian Regional Commission and Delta Regional Authority — to improve quality of life for children and families in rural and tribal communities.

"Local Food, Local Places helps people access healthy local food and supports new businesses in neighborhoods that need investment," EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a statement. "The program is good for the environment, public health and the economy. By helping bring healthy local food to market and offering new walking and biking options, Local Foods, Local Places can help improve air quality, support local economies and protect undeveloped green space."

Henderson officials said the city will develop a "connectivity plan that emphasizes food access." The city may explore the feasibility of community gardens, a network of corner stores with healthy food or a permanent location for a farmer's market.

Each community participant will be paired with experts who can help identify local assets and opportunities, set goals for revitalization projects, develop implementation plans and secure related resources from federal agencies.

The program launched in 2014 and has helped with projects such as opening downtown markets featuring local food, developing community gardens and planning cooperative grocery stores to revitalize main streets.

Henderson expects to release more information as plans develop.