Community organizations partner to improve food access in Cape Girardeau
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Several community organizations recently came together at South Side Farms to support efforts aimed at increasing access to fresh, nutritious food in an area designated as a food desert.
South Side Farms hosted representatives from YouthBuild, VIP Industries, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Fish Food Pantry as part of a collaborative effort focused on agriculture, workforce development, mentorship and food assistance.
Participants in the YouthBuild Culinary Cohort worked in the fields to learn about food production and the connection between locally grown produce and culinary skills. The program provides education, job training and leadership development opportunities for young adults.
Clients from VIP Industries, which offers vocational training and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, assisted with selling plant starts and gaining work experience.
Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers and participants helped operate the farm stand and interact with community members. South Side Farms officials noted that one of the organization’s youth participants is now working on the farm this summer.
Fish Food Pantry also joined the effort to explore ways locally grown produce can be used to help meet food needs within the community.
South Side Farms officials said the partnerships are part of a broader mission to improve food access and strengthen community connections through agriculture.
